Biden Acts to Keep American Families Together With New Administrative Action
New administrative action from the Biden-Harris administration answers call from voters, electeds, advocates, and immigrant communities; provides relief & security to long-settled immigrants
Washington, D.C. – Today, President Biden will announce executive action that will keep mixed-status families together. The protections will extend legal status and work authorization to long-settled undocumented immigrant populations, including spouses and children of U.S. citizens.
In response, Immigration Hub Executive Director Kerri Talbot issued the following statement:
“Today’s announcement is a momentous step forward for many immigrants in the U.S. who fear separation from their U.S. citizen family members. Tonight, hundreds of thousands of hardworking individuals will sleep more soundly knowing that they will be able to remain in their communities with their friends, families, and loved ones. We thank President Biden and his administration for providing this much-needed relief and answering the wave of calls from advocates, electeds, and voters.
“President Biden’s decisive and essential action to keep these families together builds on the progress he has already made to improve the immigration system and is the crown jewel of what has been the most active presidency on immigration yet. It also offers a stark contrast to the existential threat posed by Donald Trump and other GOP extremists, who want to separate families. Despite the failure of Republican leaders in Congress to move forward on immigration reform, President Biden was able to use his authority to deliver the balanced solutions that Americans want, including a pathway to citizenship.
“As we celebrate today’s victory, we also share our joy and gratitude with immigrant communities and the countless advocates and allies that worked tirelessly to make this possible.”
Immigration Hub Deputy Director Beatriz Lopez issued the following statement:
“President Biden’s announcement is not just a major win for American families and our economy, but a political win that will mobilize voters on the margins. A majority of voters have shown overwhelming and consistent support for providing long-settled immigrants a path to citizenship. The president’s action is a signal to the electorate that he hasn’t forgotten about the fathers, mothers, wives, husbands and children who have longed for the opportunity to gain American citizenship.
“Up against the threat of Trump and massive spending on anti-immigrant political advertising, the Biden-Harris campaign and Democrats must remind voters, from now until November, that their legacy is grounded in keeping families together and meeting the challenge of a broken system with bold resolve and smart solutions. The extreme right will try to define this historic moment with divisive and xenophobic tropes. Democrats cannot and should not remain silent, and instead go on offense and make clear that they delivered for the American people when Trump and Republicans turned their backs on them.”
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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.