28 OCT 2021

Immigration Advances in the Build Back Better Legislation Framework

Washington, DC — After weeks of negotiations and mounting pressure, congressional Democrats announced today an agreement on the framework for the Build Back Better (BBB) reconciliation bill that includes immigration reform provisions. The framework ensures that inclusion of lasting protections for undocumented immigrants remains an essential part of the bill as Senate Democrats prepare to meet with the Senate Parliamentarian on a new proposal outlining an immigration permit program for more than 7 million undocumented immigrants. More than seventy-percent of the American public, including key voting blocs such as the Latino electorate, supports lasting protections and a path to citizenship.

In response, Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub, stated:

“Today brings us one step closer to finally delivering for workers, our economy and for millions of immigrants and their families. The inclusion of immigration in the reconciliation framework reflects what leading economists and immigration advocates have been saying all along: our economic recovery and the hope of ‘building back better’ must include a bold, long overdue solution for undocumented communities. This is more than thirty years in the making and we are mere steps away from a much-needed breakthrough. Democrats cannot fall short of delivering relief to millions of undocumented workers and families who are invaluable to a thriving America.  

“We commend Democratic members of Congress and President Biden who have been committed to moving forward policy solutions for immigrants. We urge House Democrats to vote for the Build Back Better bill and fulfill the promise of transformative reforms to our immigration system. They have a rare and valuable opportunity at hand to protect and rebuild our communities through the Build Back Better legislation.”

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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.