13 OCT 2021

New Democratic Immigration Proposal for Reconciliation Would Offer Lasting Protections for Nearly 8 Million Immigrants

Washington, DC — oday, The New York Times reported that Senate Democrats will be presenting a new immigration proposal for reconciliation to the Senate Parliamentarian. The legalization proposal would allow qualifying undocumented immigrants to gain work authorization, protections from deportation, ability to travel and access to health care.

Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub, responded to the report, “Despite our strong disagreement with the Parliamentarian’s assessment on the previous proposals, Senate Democrats are moving forward a solution that clearly meets the threshold she has set. There is no true economic recovery without ensuring lasting protections for communities such as Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers and other essential workers who have been critical in helping our country get through one of our darkest times. While — make no mistake — we will continue to fight for a pathway to citizenship, this legalization proposal would grant millions of undocumented immigrants the ability to live and work without the fear of deportation. The impact of this proposal would be monumental. Millions of workers and families would be able to work, access health care, travel abroad to reunite with families they have longed to embrace and simply cherish their communities without the looming threat of it all being taken away from them.

“For far too long, promises have been made and voters of all stripes have appealed for action while immigrant families have faced the uncertainty and threat of bad policies and misguided court rulings. The imperative to act is clear, and Democrats must deliver this year.”

The Democratic proposal would allow undocumented immigrants, including those who overstayed their visa or entered without inspection, who meet certain requirements to: work lawfully and gain status that would last for five years and would be renewable for five years, be protected from deportation, travel domestically and internationally, and gain access to health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Details on the precedent and provisions of the legalization option are further outlined via the Center for American Progress.

Kerri Talbot, Deputy Director of the Immigration Hub, added, “This proposalshould meet the Parliamentarian’s criteria for inclusion in reconciliation and address her earlier concerns. This is a viable and workable solution that would be a much-needed investment in workers, families and our economy. Lasting protections that would give peace of mind to millions of families is nothing short of a major breakthrough.”

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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.