Rep. Correa Continues Fighting for Pathway to Citizenship in Build Back Better Act

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Lou Correa (CA-46) issued a statement following his joint press conference alongside Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), and leading immigration advocacy groups in urging the Senate to provide a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act.

  

Rep. Lou Correa said, “Americans want an immigration reform that will secure the freedom and prosperity of our Dreamers, TPS recipients, farmworkers, and essential workers. Now, after decades of failed promises, the Senate has the opportunity to keep that commitment and deliver a pathway to citizenship that is good for America in the Build Back Better Act.

 

Eight years ago, 68 Senators—including 14 Senate Republicans—voted for a pathway to citizenship for eleven million undocumented immigrants in this country. We don't have another eight years, five years, two years, or even two months to wait. I'm here with my colleagues today because The Time Is Now to create a pathway to citizenship for the moms, dads, daughters, and sons who have sacrificed so much to achieve their American dream but who remain in the shadows. 

 

We can't truly 'Build Back Better' if the people who do so much of the building are left out of the blueprint. Time and time again, undocumented immigrants have delivered for our Nation, even when it's continued to leave them behind. During the pandemic, they grew our crops to keep us fed. They took care of our children and our elderly to help our families. And they worked as essential employees to help our country through its most difficult times. 

 

Not providing a pathway to citizenship for these individuals means that people will be deported, and their lives will be shattered. They're not just workers. They are our friends and neighbors, and many Dreamers have only known their lives here in the United States. 

 

I am calling for my colleagues in the Senate—Democrats, and Republicans to pass a pathway to citizenship and ensure we protect the millions of immigrants who have stood through our side to make sure America is Build Back Better."

 

 

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