Credit: The Garrett County Republican

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. David Trone, D-Md., voted to pass two sweeping immigration bills, H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act and H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, aimed to make critical reforms to the American immigration system.

The bills now head to the Senate.

“After spending most of my life in the business world, I’ve seen first-hand the contribution of immigrant workers, entrepreneurs, and leaders to our communities and our economy,” said Trone. “By creating pathways to citizenship for Dreamers and undocumented individuals, we will all benefit from the diverse experiences and ideas immigrants bring to our country. Our nation would be foolish to take this for granted.”

• H.R. 6, The American Dream and Promise Act — The American Dream and Promise Act would create a legal pathway to citizenship for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, or Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status recipients, and DED recipients. Over 7,800 “Dreamers” and 27,000 TPS recipients currently reside in Maryland.

Dreamers are undocumented young people, many of whom have lived in the United States for most of their lives. Similarly, TPS holders and DED recipients have built lives and raised their families in this country — in many cases over decades.

• H.R. 1603, The Farm Workforce Modernization Act — The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would create a legal path to citizenship for farmworkers and update the H-2A guest worker program that allows for migrants to gain employment in the agricultural sector.

Before coming to Congress, Trone founded a small business which he successfully grew to an organization with over 10,000 employees located in more than 27 states nationwide.