Representative Dan Newhouse was one of seven House Republicans who voted in favor of the American Dream and Promise Act Thursday.

The bill, which now moves to the senate, aims to provide legal status for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and other individuals by requiring them to adhere to strict guidelines. Those looking for legal status under the legislation must also avoid criminal convictions and pay a fee.

"In Central Washington, in my congressional district, we have more of these DACA individuals than anywhere else in the state." explained Newhouse, "I think I have the largest of any Republican in Congress in my district."

The bill will likely not be signed into law as written and will require bipartisan collaboration. Newhouse hopes Congress can provide the kind of legislation that can bring certainty to the lives of DACA recipients so they don't have to worry about deportation and can instead focus on contributing to their communities.

Newhouse added while the legislation could be a strong move in the right direction, it will ultimately do very little to help the current crisis at the border. He said that situation requires strong action from the Biden administration.

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