Last night in the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Pete Aguilar passed a critical amendment that was added to the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee appropriations bill, which would allow Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, also called Dreamers, to be eligible for federal employment.

“These young men and women identify as Americans, living in the only country they have ever called home. Denying Dreamers the opportunity to serve their community and country through public service stands in stark contrast to our nation’s core values,” said Rep. Aguilar. He continued, “Expanding the pool of applicants for our federal workforce will ensure we can get the best and brightest applicants, whoever they may be. This amendment makes a commonsense change to give Dreamers the opportunities they deserve and our nation the workforce it needs.”

“DACA recipients are going to school, preparing for careers, and contributing to their communities,” said Appropriations Ranking Member Nita Lowey.  “Yet because of something they had no control over – their parents’ entry into the United States – they are deemed ineligible to serve their country through federal employment.  I am extremely proud Rep. Aguilar’s amendment correcting this grievous wrong passed in the Appropriations Committee, and we will work together to defend the amendment as the process moves forward.”

Currently, DACA recipients must use third-party organizations or fellowship programs to access federal internships or employment. Rep. Aguilar has been a fierce advocate for the immigrant community and is a stalwart supporter of comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship. Rep. Aguilar’s amendment passed unanimously by voice vote and was added to the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee appropriations bill, which will be considered by the full House of Representatives. Rep. Aguilar’s amendment can be read in full here.