New York, NY—Today, House Democrats, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, passed the resolution on the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation infrastructure package. The vote follows the package’s passage in the Senate earlier this month. The ambitious legislation earmarks $107 billion to provide a pathway to citizenship for millions of Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, and immigrant essential workers, including potentially hundreds of thousands of immigrant New Yorkers. In the fall, the Senate and the House will vote on the full spending plan. Legalizing millions of immigrants will result in an additional $149 billion in GDP and $39 billion in federal, state, and local taxes, according to a recently released FWD.us report.
Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Make no mistake; thirty years of ceaseless advocacy from the immigrants rights movement across the state and the country resulted in this victory today. Washington is finally one step closer to delivering a pathway to citizenship for millions of hard-working immigrant families because we persisted in the face of political gridlock and relentless attacks. Today’s vote continues hope and opportunity for millions of essential workers, Dreamers, and TPS holders who have been living with the threat of deportation and separation from their families for far too long. We thank Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and President Joe Biden for heeding the will of American voters and doing the smart thing to hasten America's economic recovery. Now, the real fight begins. Next month, both Houses of Congress will take up the full budget reconciliation package. This will be a moment for our Democratic leaders to stand strong and finally secure legalization for our essential workers and countless others.”
Background:
In July, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) and Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM) members led one thousand immigrant essential workers, elected officials, and immigrant rights advocates to demand the inclusion of a pathway to citizenship in the Democrats’ budget reconciliation infrastructure bill. A few weeks before the inauguration of President Biden, the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) launched an aggressive campaign targeted at key members of New York’s Democratic congressional delegation, demanding an unequivocal commitment to achieving a pathway to citizenship.
The NYIC’s work is part of a multi-organizational and national effort spearheaded by FIRM to transform America’s immigration system. A July FWD.us report revealed a clear majority of Americans support legalization for Dreamers, TPS recipients, and essential workers. The report also outlined that legalization would provide $149 billion in GDP and $39 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
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