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The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2023 is a bold, inclusive, and humane vision for the future of the United States immigration system

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA)introduced the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2023, a bold, inclusive, and humane vision for the future of the United States immigration system. For the announcement, Sánchez joined Democratic leaders to respond to H.R. 2, the Child Deportation Act, legislation proposed by House Republicans that would hurt immigrant and border communities and negatively impact the nation’s economy.

WATCH

the press conference with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Nanette Barragán, Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Judy Chu (D-CA), and Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Yvette Clarke (D-NY).

Immigration reform leaders and groups from across the country praised the introduction of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2023. Here’s what they’re saying:

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre: “On his first day in office President Biden sent Congress a proposal to fix our broken immigration system that this administration inherited. We applaud Congresswoman Linda Sánchez and House Democrats for reintroducing this legislation to responsibly manage and secure our border, keep families and communities safe, and better manage migration across the Western Hemisphere. Instead of coming to the table to work together, House Republicans are playing politics and engaging in stunts that would fail to solve the challenges at our border, while also pushing deep spending cuts that would fire over 2,000 border patrol agents and decrease our border security.”

Angelica Salas, Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA): “For too long the United States has failed to recognize the humanity and dignity of immigrants and refugees, but the trail of broken promises and inaction must end. The U.S. Citizenship Act is a commonsense immigration reform bill that provides a solution to our outdated immigration system: provides a roadmap to citizenship to the 11 million undocumented immigrants, prioritizes strengthening the family immigration system, begins to address root causes of migration and provides critical resources to our southern borders.We urge Congress to use every lever of the power that is available to them to pass this immigration reform bill.”

Marc Egan, Director of Government Relations for the National Education Association (NEA): "At a time when House Republicans are pushing forward an anti-immigrant proposal, we applaud Rep. Linda Sánchez and other Democratic leaders for once again introducing the U.S. Citizenship Act. This bill helps address systemic issues that honors our American values, creates legal pathways for those seeking protections at our borders and on our shores, and protects our immigrant students and immigrant educators from fears of family separation and deportation from their homes."

Nicole Melaku, Executive Director of the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA): “With the end of Title 42, now is the time to create a welcoming and inclusive immigration system. The U.S. Citizenship Act is a necessary step towards welcoming all immigrants and refugees with the resources they need to thrive in the United States. This legislation will create a viable pathway to citizenship, which is long overdue. A path to citizenship, coupled with a welcoming infrastructure that includes immigrants, will strengthen our democracy by investing in immigrants instead of targeting them. We strongly urge Congress to pass this legislation without delay.”

Todd Schulte, President of FWD.us: “The U.S. Citizenship Act is a common-sense policy that would provide crucialpathways to citizenship for millions of immigrants who have spent decades building their lives in the United States. FWD.us commends Congresswoman Sánchez for championing this critical step forward in providing long-overdue permanent protections to millions of immigrant families and modernizing legal pathways.”

Tony Hoang, Executive Director of Equality California: “Undocumented LGBTQ+ people are one of the most vulnerable groups in our community. Equality California is proud to sponsor the U.S. Citizenship Act by Rep. Sánchez — our country needs comprehensive legislation that addresses the root causes of migration in addition to offering a clear pathway to citizenship, while providing resources to our southern borders."

Dr. Marilyn Flores, Superintendent/President of Río Hondo College: “Río Hondo College remains steadfast in supporting The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2023, as introduced by Congresswoman Linda Sánchez. This bill will help advance academic success and protect family unity for hundreds of hard-working undocumented students and DREAMers on our campus who seek a pathway to U.S. citizenship. In addition, this pathway ensures student access to career and academic goals which contribute to the economic vitality of our community.”

Immigration Hub: “Anchored in our country's history as a nation built and made stronger by immigrants, Rep. Linda Sanchez's U.S. Citizenship Act offers a path forward for immigrant families, including Dreamers, TPS-holders, and farmworkers who contribute so much to the economy and our communities.”

Congresswoman Linda T. Sánchez (D-CA): “As the daughter of immigrant parents from Mexico, I am honored to introduce the U.S. Citizenship Act—a bold, transformative framework that will help fix our broken immigration system. The U.S. Citizenship Act will help us grow our economy, make our borders safer and more secure, and deliver a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants already living and working here. Meanwhile, House Republicans are pushing a bill that neglects the people behind immigration policy. The Child Deportation Act embraces the same failed, xenophobic policies that promise harsh enforcement and nothing more. It is not a real solution. Instead, the U.S. Citizenship Act is built on a fundamental truth: we can have safe, secure borders and policies that reflect our values as a nation of immigrants.”

Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries: “We do have a broken immigration system here in the United States of America, and it does require a thoughtful and comprehensive solution, an approach that is anchored in our values as a country based on two pillars. One, a nation anchored, of course, in the rule of law, but a nation of immigrants, people who come from all across the world to form the gorgeous mosaic that is America and the diversity in America that is and should continue to be the envy of the world. We have a thoughtful approach, the U.S. Citizenship Act. And then we have the extreme MAGA Republican approach that is not anchored in facts or data or thoughtful, compassionate solutions, consistent with who we are as Americans. The Republican approach is anchored in xenophobia and fanning the flames of hatred and distrust and of irresponsible policies that will do nothing to solve the problem.”

Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar: “House Democrats are ready – and have been ready – to invest in a secure border and deliver real immigration reform. What Republicans are bringing onto the floor this week is not substantive—it's extreme and recycles the same failed policies from the prior Administration that did nothing to help our situation at the southern border. That’s why we are so proud to join Congresswoman Sánchez in reintroducing the U.S. Citizenship Act to build off our investments in safety and personnel at the border, open more lawful pathways for citizenship and address the root causes of migration. Our legislation would strengthen our labor market and add stability to the economy. This is the best path forward to deliver true, comprehensive immigration reform.”

Representative Veronica Escobar (D-TX): “I’m thrilled to support this comprehensive, thoughtful, solutions-based piece of legislation. I want to thank Congresswoman Sánchez for her leadership. The best way to ensure that our country addresses what’s occurring in border communities like my own is by offering legal pathways. I’m eager to work on this bill and I hope our Republican colleagues will join us in this effort to modernize our outdated laws.”

Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Judy Chu (D-CA): “The U.S. Citizenship Act is the framework we need to modernize and reform our broken immigration system, and I am especially proud that it includes provisions from three bills I have championed for years—the Reuniting Families Act, the NO BAN Act, and the Power Act. This week, extremist MAGA Republicans are trying to advance an immigration proposal that would decimate our asylum system and humanitarian protections, put more children and families in detention, cause chaos at our borders, and weaken our economy. In stark contrast, the U.S. Citizenship Act recognizes that that a robust, humane, and efficient immigration system makes America stronger, and it would alleviate the humanitarian crisis at the southern border by addressing the root causes of migration and providing resources to humanely and efficiently process children and families who seek asylum here.”

Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Nanette Barragán (D-CA): “The U.S. Citizenship Act is the immigration reform that our country needs, especially at a time when our asylum system is under attack by Republicans. It is a starting point to build a modern immigration system that is humane and efficient, keeps the border secure, and helps keep our economy strong. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill and as Chair, the CHC stands ready to do whatever it takes to pass comprehensive immigration reform, securing our border but also providing a pathway to citizenship to so many who have contributed to our society.”

Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Yvette Clarke (D-NY): “Immigrants, regardless of status, contribute billions every year in taxes and form a critical part of the American economy. Still, many can't access the vital safety provisions migrant communities rely on to survive and thrive. That’s why I’m proud to support the U.S. Citizenship Act – legislation that aligns with our vision for fixing America’s broken and outdated immigration system, once and for all. Only Congress can provide immigrants with a path to citizenship, and it’s past time we create a roadmap for citizenship for the people who already live and work in America, including Dreamers, as well as modernize the employment and family visa systems. Those who fled persecution and violence deserve a fair process from America. We have an opportunity to level the playing field in the labor market, boost our economy, and more. And that work begins with the U.S. Citizenship Act.”

Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), a senior member of the House Immigration Subcommittee and former immigration lawyer: “It is clear current immigration laws are not serving the best interests of the United States. My colleagues and I have worked on immigration reform bills, and many of those measures are included in the U.S. Citizenship Act. This is overdue, large-scale legislation that greatly benefits our country. I am proud to again support policies that live up to our country’s history as a nation of immigrants.”

Click here for the full text of the U.S. Citizenship Act.

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Issues: Immigration

Original source can be found here.