15 SEP 2021
Senator Padilla, Immigration Advocates: We Need a Pathway to Citizenship Now
The event concludes the Inside Out 11M nation-wide tour, and marks the successful markup of the immigration legislation in the Build Back Better reconciliation bill
Washington, DC — Yesterday, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) joined impacted individuals and immigration advocates to call on Congress to provide a pathway to citizenship as part of the budget reconciliation process.
“It’s past time for Congress to deliver the stability and security that immigrant families deserve,” said Senator Padilla. “We have a moral obligation to the millions of DACA recipients, TPS-holders, and essential workers who have risked their own lives every day working during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m proud to stand with the bipartisan majorities across the country that support passing much-needed reforms on immigration now.”
Arisaid Gonzalez Porras, a DACA recipient and DMV Campaigns Manager for United We Dream, joined Sen. Padilla in his call to action.
“While my younger brother and I have DACA, our parents do not and remain vulnerable to the threat of deportation,” said Gonzalez. “That is why I am fighting to win citizenship not just for immigrant youth like me, but for millions of undocumented people, who, like my parents, have lived much of their lives in the shadows and deserve permanent protection.”
The event comes on the heels of the House Judiciary Committee’s successful markup of the immigration legislation in the Build Back Better reconciliation bill, a key step towards delivering long-overdue protection for Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers, and essential workers, who strengthen and contribute to our communities.
Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of Immigration Hub: “The House Judiciary Committee has taken a historic step in passing legislation that will provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers, and essential workers. The committee knows that this isn’t just a fundamentally moral issue, but also an integral piece of our economic recovery. For years, Americans have supported passing commonsense immigration solutions, and Democrats finally have an opportunity to deliver with the current reconciliation bill. We urge Congress to stay committed in this process and seek justice for the millions of undocumented immigrants and their families who call America home.”
Greisa Martinez Rosas, United We Dream and United We Dream Action Executive Director: “After decades of inaction, Democrats – President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Senate Majority Leader Schumer– can make a meaningful difference in the lives of undocumented people and millions of families across the country. This is the year we can win citizenship for millions and so it will be up to Democrats to have the moral urgency and political courage it takes to make sure that citizenship for millions of immigrant youth, TPS holders, farm workers and other essential workers is included in the final reconciliation package – no matter what!”
John Kim, Digital Organizer, NAKASEC: “1 out of every 7 Asian immigrants is undocumented, and we make up over 16% of the undocumented immigrant population. We need permanent solutions NOW. A pathway to citizenship would be a solid step towards achieving justice for our communities. We demand Congress include citizenship in the budget and create permanent solutions. Our lives can't wait.”
Patrice S. Lawrence, Co-Director, UndocuBlack Network: “Black undocumented community, other advocates and attorneys brought the lifelines (DACA/TPS/DED) as far as we could take them. We have kept as many people as possible out of detention and from deportation. The mandate to ensure our stability and our certainty is squarely given by the people to this U.S. Congress. They must do the calculations on how much they are willing to continue to choose profits over people. Green Cards save lives and we are in a life-saving moment.”
Giev Kashkooli, National Political and Legislative Director, United Farm Workers: "Farm workers feed us. And during the pandemic farm workers did not ask if they were harvesting for Democrats or Republicans – they fed all of us. The House and Senate must use their full power to honor the women and men who farm the food that feeds all of us. It's time for Congress to honor farm workers, Dreamers, TPS recipients, and other essential workers by giving them a way to earn permanent legal status and ultimately citizenship."
The event was held in conjunction with “Inside Out 11M” – a nationwide, participatory art initiative launched by the award-winning artist JR in partnership with Emerson Collective, to create a portrait of America that includes immigrants and the descendants of immigrants alike.
"All year long young people of United We Dream and United We Dream Action have been taking action and sharing our stories to show the real life impact on people. That is in part what the Inside Out art initiative is about, letting people share their stories and share why a pathway to citizenship is important to them. Our stories have always been our power and our power has led us to this moment,” added Martinez.
More than 2,000 individuals nationwide took the opportunity to have their portraits taken to stand in solidarity with millions of immigrants.
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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.