New York, NY-Today, Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Congressmember Linda Sanchez (D-CA) introduced President Joseph R. Biden’s U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021. The Biden/Harris administration originally announced the legislation shortly after their inauguration on January 20. The bill would create a pathway to citizenship for roughly 11 million immigrants lacking legal status. In response to its introduction, New York immigrant rights advocates immediately embraced the introduction of the U.S. Citizenship Act and pledged to continue to work with the state’s Congressional delegation to strengthen the bill to meet the needs of immigrant New Yorkers and swiftly pass into law.
Murad Awawdeh and Rovika Rajkishun, Interim Co-Executive Directors of the New York Immigration Coalition:
“President Biden’s U.S. Citizenship Act is a vital first step in creating opportunity, security, and stability for hundreds of thousands of immigrant New Yorkers, who live, work, and contribute to America with few protections. While we applaud President Biden and our leaders in Congress for introducing this expansive and visionary piece of legislation, we demand and deserve a permanent solution that serves all of us and leaves no one behind. We will continue to work to ensure that any bill delivers real racial justice for all, especially Black immigrants who have been harmed by the racist criminal legal and immigration systems.
The U.S. Citizenship Act is a powerful testament to decades of fierce advocacy. By marshaling the power of our communities, we will finally transform our immigration system. We are committed to fighting for the boldest and most comprehensive immigration reform that does not leave anyone behind. The New York Immigration Coalition will ensure that every member of Congress in New York, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer leading the way, fights to ensure its passage. Today, the real work begins.”