Durbin Questions Witnesses at American Dream and Promise Act Judiciary Committee Hearing

WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled, “H.R.6, American Dream and Promise Act of 2021,” U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, questioned Manuel Bernal Mejia, a DACA recipient, and Leon Rodriguez, former United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director under President Obama, about the importance of passing the American Dream and Promise Act.

Durbin asked Dr. Bernal Mejia whether or not he’s had any issues with his medical license because of his undocumented status. 

“Have you run into any obstacles in terms of your medical licensure and such because of your undocumented status?” Durbin asked.  

Dr. Bernal Mejia stated he had not run into any issues in the state of Illinois, where he practices, but that if he were to expand his medical license into other states he might run into issues.

Durbin then asked Leon Rodriguez to respond to Republican assertions that the American Dream and Promise Act would give a pass to those with a criminal record.

“I can’t recall a version of the Dream Act or DACA that does not includes a bar to those who are guilty of criminal misconduct?” Durbin asked.  

Rodriguez answered by stating that DACA and the Dream Act are structured to exclude felons or other serious criminals, and even in many cases those who have only committed one misdemeanor.  

Video of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Audio of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here.

Footage of Durbin’s questions in Committee is available here for TV Stations.

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