Fight for the American Dream Act Reintroduced for DACA Recipients

California Reps. Salud Carbajal and Gil Cisneros have reintroduced the Fight for the American Dream Act that would allow Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to enlist in the U.S. military. The bill would also create an avenue of citizenship for those who serve and are honorably discharged. This is significant because of the timing of the reintroduction – amid heightened immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.

Highlights

• The Fight for the American Dream Act legislation has been reintroduced by California Congressmen Salud Carbajal and Gil Cisneros.
• Under the bill, DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers, will be allowed to serve in the U.S. military.
• The bill could serve as a gateway to citizenship for many aspiring Americans once they are honorably discharged from service.

Rep. Salud Carbajal and Rep. Gil Cisneros Lead the Fight

Representative Salud Carbajal, a U.S. Marine veteran and immigrant, emphasized the importance of offering the opportunity for military service to DACA recipients, also known as Dreamers.

“I’m a proud immigrant and a proud U.S. Marine. Serving in our armed forces was an honor, but DACA recipients don’t have that option,” he said. “That’s why I’m proud to partner with my colleague, Congressman Cisneros, on this commonsense bill to provide a clear, stable pathway toward citizenship for DACA recipients who want to serve the country they already call home.”

Similarly, Representative Gil Cisneros also echoed his sentiments, having served as Under Secretary of Defense. “Our military is made up of people from all backgrounds, united by the desire to protect and serve our nation,” he said. “DACA recipients, who call this country home, want to contribute and make our country better. One of the best ways they can do that is by joining the United States Armed Forces.”

At the moment, DACA recipients are prohibited from serving in the military. The purpose of the Fight for the American Dream Act is to reverse this restriction and allow enlistment to Dreamers, in turn offering citizenship to those who complete their enlistment honorably.

The legislation was introduced in previous Congress sessions but never passed into law. Supporters hope the bill’s reintroduction, along with the bipartisan discussion around immigration and national service, will offer enough support to ensure its passing.

To learn more about the reintroduction, visit carbajal.house.gov.