Citizenship for undocumented immigrants is recovery and must be included in the Build Back Better plan.
Washington, DC — Following the release of President Biden’s infrastructure plan, immigrant youth and allies of United We Dream Action are unapologetically reminding President Biden, Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Schumer that they must include a pathway to citizenship for immigrant young people, TPS holders, and essential workers in the Build Back Better package.
Greisa Martinez Rosas, Executive Director of United We Dream Action, said:
“We must take big and bold steps to recover from the pandemic with an infrastructure plan that includes good jobs, clean water, and fully addresses the climate crisis. The truth is that without including legalization for immigrants in this proposal – this plan fails to fully meet the moment.
There are an estimated 5 million undocumented immigrants in the country’s essential workforce who risk their lives and the lives of our families every day to keep the country healthy, safe and fed, yet they continue to be excluded from President Biden’s plans. It is undeniable that a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants is an essential part of the country’s recovery.
In the heels of defeating Trump and mobilizing millions to the polls during a pandemic, we have passed two bills through the House, our demands are extremely popular with the American people, and we continue to protect DACA from Republican attacks. Our movement has never been stronger. We are gonna act like it and Biden should too. If President Biden wants to go down in the history books as a bold president who led and delivered, then he must use every tool at his disposal to deliver a pathway to citizenship for immigrants, including moving citizenship for essential workers, immigrant youth and TPS holders in the Build Back Better plan. We will not accept anything less than citizenship for millions of our loved ones. Our time is now.”