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Rich Nathan| Guest Columnist

Twenty years ago, Congress voted for the first time on the Dream Act, a piece of legislation that would provide permanent legal status and a pathway to citizenship for immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. The act failed, but the movement for immigration reformcontinues to this day.

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A new version of the Dream Act, called the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021, has passed in the U.S. House. This bipartisan effort at immigration reform could grant legal permanent resident status to as many as 4.4 million immigrants who currently have temporary protection at best, including Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders and Deferred Enforced Departure recipients.

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The American Dream and Promise Act couldnt come at a better time. While our highly polarized politicians may love to debate immigration reform, the vast majority of ordinary Americans support granting legal status and a pathway to citizenship to undocumented immigrants. But for this new bill to succeed, we need Republican senators to stand up for immigration reform. America is ready for immigration reform; our senators shouldnt waste this opportunity to make it happen.

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Part of what makes the American Dream and Promise Act so important is the justice it offers to undocumented people the Dreamers. Through no fault of their own, these Dreamers were brought to this country as children. The Bible sets forth this principle of justice:children should not suffer for the sins of their parents! Dreamers work hard for a better life here; they deserve the opportunity to achieve one.

Im the founding pastor of Vineyard Columbus, a remarkably diverse church that draws its membership from nearly 130 nations. Our congregation includes many Dreamers. Heres one of their stories.

Rosa was brought to the United States as a child.She worked hard to learn English and became an excellent student. Her U.S.-born friends had no idea that she was undocumented. Because of her uncertain legal status, Rosa had to work harder than other children her age. She had to save her money to pay for her schooling, since there are no college grants or funding available to the undocumented. She began working as a medical assistant with a Christian nonprofit that provides low-cost medical care to Americans who are below the poverty line. There, she is a hard worker and a highly valued employee.

The American Dream and Promise Act would give Rosa a way to build a permanent and secure home in the United States. As things stand, Rosa is only permitted to work at all because she received protection under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). But why shouldnt Rosa, and the millions of people like her, be given hope to live here permanently and, ultimately, gain the citizenship status they need to flourish?

The American Dream and Promise Act is a great opportunity for Congress to come together in a bipartisan, consensus-building way to protect people like Rosa. Americas social fabric is sustained by millions of undocumented immigrants who contribute to our country and build Americas future together with all native-born Americans. Senate Republicans must seize this opportunity and act for the good of everyone working toward the American dream.

Rev. Rich Nathan is the founding pastor of Vineyard Columbus, a church he haspastored since 1987. Vineyard Columbus offers a wide range of services to immigrants in the Central Ohio community.

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Opinion: It is time to pass the Dream Act. Local woman's story demonstrates why - The Columbus Dispatch