U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, along with cosponsors reps. Ruben Gallego, and Raul Grijalva introduced legislation that would allow undocumented alien youth granted exemption from deportation – to be employed by congressional offices.
Current law prevents the House and Senate from employing anyone who is not either a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident currently seeking naturalization, with the exception of certain refugees and those granted asylum. This means individuals who are otherwise allowed to work in the U.S. through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy cannot be hired by any branch of the federal government, including Congress.
While only those youth with political connections are even considered for employment on the Hill, Kirkpatrick said, “Telling these young people they cannot work in the seat of our government is like telling them they deserve something less than the American dream. That’s the wrong message to send – especially from an institution like Congress that could really benefit from their unique abilities and perspectives.”
Gallego stated, “DREAMers have grown up in the United States and call our country home. They are a part of our community, and rather than making their lives more difficult, we should celebrate their contributions and give them opportunities to succeed. These talented, smart individuals have a lot to contribute, and we would be fortunate to have them working with us on Capitol Hill and at home in our districts.”
The American Dream Employment Act, H.R. 4842, would open congressional office jobs to DACA recipients, allowing them to work in the House and Senate. The bill would not affect any other federal agency or department.
Current employment guidelines are set by a provision included annually in the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill. The American Dream Employment Act would amend this section by adding DACA beneficiaries to the list of individuals authorized to be paid employees of Congress.
Kirkpatrick’s bill has 24 original co-sponsors including Gallego, Grijalva, Joaquin Castro, Jan Schakowsky, Ruben Hinojosa, John Lewis, Kathy Castor, Mark Takano, Julia Brownley, John Conyers, Zoe Lofgren, Gene Green, Gwen Moore, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Charles Rangel, Mike Honda, Grace Napolitano, Tony Cardenas, Marc Veasey, Eric Swalwell, Luis Gutierrez, Adam Smith, Judy Chu, and Jared Polis.