17 SEP 2021
Growing Chorus Outlines the Economic Benefits of a Pathway to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants
White House Council of Economic Advisors: Extending Permanent Legal Status Makes Economic Sense
Washington, DC — The White House Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) issued a blog today making the economic case for extending permanent legal status to undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
In response, Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub, stated, “The CEA’s message today underscores what our leading economists and over 700 governors, mayors and local elected officials have been saying all along, a pathway to citizenship is crucial to a stronger economy and recovery. Now more than ever, our country needs a thriving workforce, and by allowing millions of immigrant workers and families to gain access to a functioning pathway to permanent residency and citizenship, America will benefit from incredible economic output, higher wages and taxes. While the GOP continues to peddle bigotry and fear-mongering to divide and misinform communities, voices from across the country make clear that the Democrat’s budget reconciliation package is exactly the right vehicle to provide a lasting solution for undocumented communities.”
The CEA joins a growing list of leading economists, local elected officials, business leaders, and immigration advocates who all agree a path to citizenship would boost economic growth, create jobs and increase wages for all Americans.
White House report shows economic benefits of immigration: Today, on Citizenship Day, the White House Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) released an analysis which calculates the economic contribution of immigrants to the U.S. economy, including by increasing the size of the labor force and spurring innovation. CEA noted that “permanent legal status would likely allow these workers to be more productive” and would increase “effective labor supply and improve U.S. economic growth.” Also today, President Biden released a statement recognizing the contributions of immigrant families and reiterated his strong support for pathways for citizenship for essential workers, TPs recipients, Dreamers and farmworkers. Read the Twitter thread and full report here.
50+ economists back a pathway to citizenship in budget reconciliation due to the positive impact on America’s economy:Based on economic research and studies, more than 50 economists sent a letter to congressional leadership urging immigration reform be included in budget reconciliation, noting that it would increase wages and productivity, create jobs, and lift families out of poverty. Not only does it have a budgetary impact, it would also have widespread positive effects on the U.S. economy for years to come.
PA Governor Wolf calls on Congress to pass a path to citizenship in reconciliation: In a letter to the Pennsylvania congressional delegation, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf urged congress to pass a path to citizenship for DREAMers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and essential immigrant workers. Governor Wolf said this, along with other policy proposals, would “make crucial investments in the American people and pave the way for a sustained and equitable economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
MEMO: Citizenship for Immigrants is Economically Smart and Viable via Budget Reconciliation. As was made crystal clear this week -- by the White House, economists, and state leaders -- immigration reform through budget reconciliation is not only viable, it’s smart economics. Read Immigration Hub’s memo on why.
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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.