For many people, immigrating to the United States is the first step in an extensive process towards becoming a citizen. For many others however, even the long-term goal of achieving citizenship is currently out of reach. For people who arrive in the country without legal authorization, there is currently no clear path towards naturalization, which means they have limited protections and rights within the country. This situation can be especially difficult for children who were brought into the country by their parents, through non-official channels, and grew up in the U.S. Currently, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Executive Order (DACA) offers federal protection for these children, allowing them to complete their education and work in the U.S. The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, a law first proposed in 2001, would offer a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients after they complete their education. This bill has been continuously revised and debated since its original proposal, but no part of it has ever passed the United States Congress.

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A 2016 map and table describing the number of unauthorized immigrants by state. The information was compiled by the Pew Research Center.

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An excerpt from “Politicians, ‘Dreamers’ hold Boston Rally for Dream and Promise Act” published by ABC News affiliate WCVB5, March 18, 2019.

“Recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and temporary protected status holders gathered in front of the JFK Building at Boston City Hall Plaza on Monday to advocate for new immigration legislation.

The rally was organized by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, or MIRA, in support of H.R. 6, which was introduced on Capitol Hill on March 12.

Also known as the Dream and Promise Act, the law would provide permanent protection and a path to citizenship for "Dreamers," those with temporary protected status… and covered by deferred enforced departure. Massachusetts has over 12,000 [temporary protected status] holders and about 5,900 active DACA beneficiaries, according to MIRA. DACA recipients are commonly referred to as "Dreamers," based on never-passed proposals in Congress called the DREAM Act, which would have provided similar protections for young immigrants.

“The Dream and Promise Act is a breath of fresh air,” said MIRA Executive Director Eva A. Millona. “It sends a strong message to 'Dreamers' and TPS and DED holders: We know this is your home. We know how much you contribute to this nation -- and we stand behind you.”

Four Massachusetts Democrats -- Rep. Katherine Clark, Rep. Jim McGovern, Sen. Ed Markey and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh -- attended the 4 p.m. rally.

"We are going to fight for you," McGovern said. "For that, we are going to support legislation in Washington to give you a pathway to citizenship because to do anything less would betray our values."