5 NOV 2021

Don’t Let America Down, Pass the Build Back Better Act

WASHINGTON, DC - As House Democrats continue to deliberate on the Build Back Better legislation, Deputy Director of the Immigration Hub, Kerri Talbot, issued the following statement:

“House Democrats are on the cusp of delivering on the promises that elected President Biden and gave the party the power to enact life-changing policies. There shouldn’t be any more delay or holdouts - Democrats must immediately pass the Build Back Better Act today.

“One of the most significant reforms in this legislation would allow millions of undocumented people a chance to gain work authorization and protection from deportation. For far too long, the American people have demanded that Congress deliver legislation to address the most obvious problem in our outdated immigration system-- a failure to offer protections from deportation for families who have lived and worked here for years. While it’s not a path to citizenship that undocumented families have so rightfully earned, a transformative solution still stands before Congress. The immigration permit program in the Build Back Better Act centers historic relief for families and recovery for all.

“Pass the bill. Don’t let America down.”

The Build Back Better Act includes an immigration permit program that would grant temporary work authorization and protection from deportation to undocumented individuals who have lived here for over 10 years. An estimated 7 million undocumented immigrants would be able to qualify, most of whom have been living in the United States, working and paying taxes for 20 years. According to a new national poll, conducted by Civiqs and the Immigration Hub, nearly 70% of voters support the immigration permit program currently in the legislation.

For more information or questions about the immigration provisions in the Build Back Better Act, please contact Sofia Huizar at sofia@theimmigrationhub.org.

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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.