Immigrant Youth Will Continue Fighting Unapologetically for Citizenship.
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Senate parliamentarian, an unelected advisor to the Senate, advised against including a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants through the reconciliation package.
Greisa Martinez Rosas, Executive Director of United We Dream Action, said:
“From the Democrats’ first meeting with the parliamentarian to now, what remains true is that the sole power and responsibility to deliver citizenship resides with President Biden, Vice President Harris, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, and Speaker Pelosi.
A multi-racial coalition of voters, led by Black and Brown people, ensured that Democrats now have a trifecta in the House, Senate and White House to build back better for all of our communities. Our country cannot fully recover without immigrants. Biden, Harris, Schumer and Pelosi made this promise from the beginning and they can and must deliver. They can either pave a pathway to citizenship to protect the lives of millions of people, or leave millions behind who continue to live under the looming threat of deportation.
Our lives are at stake. This country will never be a true Democracy while it continues to exclude and abuse millions of Black, brown, low-income and middle class people. United We Dream will continue to be bold and unapologetic about our fight to dismantle these white supremacist systems. I believe we will win and build a true democracy that provides us access to citizenship and honors our full lives.”
Susie Lujano, DACA recipient and member of United We Dream Action, said:
“Just two months ago, I met with Vice President Harris at the White House to share with her that a pathway to citizenship for me and my family means having steady access to health care, employment opportunities, and protection from the threat of deportation and family separation. It was during that meeting that I also shared that I’m expecting my first child. The thought of being separated from my baby and denied the chance to raise my family in our home is heartbreaking, but I refuse to give up on my community and my loved ones. Vice President Harris, I urge you not to lose sight of the promises you made to me and millions more that you would fight to keep immigrant communities safe. You have the power to ensure citizenship is delivered this year!”