Majority Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats alone hold the power to ensure permanent protections for millions. It’s time they deliver!
Washington, D.C. – Today, 11 members of United We Dream Action put their bodies on the line and were arrested outside the Hart Senate Office Building as they demanded Majority Leader Schumer and Senate leadership deliver citizenship in their version of the Build Back Better package.
Yesterday, Senate Democrats met with the Senate parliamentarian for a formal Byrd Bath to discuss the inclusion of immigration provisions in the reconciliation bill.
Photos from today’s action can be viewed here. All credit to United We Dream Action.
Monica Perez, United We Dream Action member said:
“I was arrested while demanding Senate Majority Leader Schumer and all Senate Democrats deliver citizenship for millions of undocumented people like me. Growing up undocumented, I’ve seen the harsh realities of what it’s like to have a loved one be in an ICE detention center. This trauma and pain are things no one should endure. Yet, with detentions and deportations on the rise under the Biden administration, the stakes could not be higher for our communities. Every minute that passes without a pathway to citizenship is another minute I’m left vulnerable to being ripped from my family at the hands of ICE and CBP. The threat of detention and deportation are not made up; they are real possibilities. I have seen them happen. That is why we need and deserve a permanent solution. Senate Majority Leader Schumer and all Senate Democrats have the power to protect me and millions more by delivering citizenship through the Build Back Better package. It’s time for them to get it done!”
Dania Tolentino, United We Dream Action member said:
“Growing up, I never realized how privileged I was being a U.S. born citizen until I saw the level of uncertainty and the constant threat of deportation my undocumented parents, and my sister, a DACA recipient, face every day. I took action today and was arrested while demanding Democrats follow through on the promises they made to protect my family.
In 2020, I voted for President Biden because he promised he would protect immigrants and deliver citizenship. Let me clear, my vote was a vote for my loved ones and I’m holding Democrats to their promises. The time to deliver citizenship is now!”