This morning, the House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act with significant immigration reform provisions. This bill provides work permits for an estimated 7.1 million undocumented immigrants that have been in the U.S. for decades it allows them to travel outside the U.S. and also protects them from deportation.
The bill now heads to the Senate for a vote that is scheduled for sometime in December. If passed in the Senate and signed by President Biden soon after, this bill would be the most significant immigration law in the last 35 years.
The passage of the bill in the House means a lot to immigrants and immigration advocates that have worked tirelessly for many years, some even decades, to get immigration reform passed.
Here is how they reacted:
House Congressional Democrats were eager to put their vote in!
I'm on the House floor to vote YES on Build Back Better — and I'm SO excited!
— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) November 19, 2021
🎶 We gonna build back better 🎶 pic.twitter.com/RzcfMZ18m2
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) November 19, 2021
I’m not sure about you, but to me, it feels like a great day to #BuildBackBetter. pic.twitter.com/7uyjFPYUTf
— Congressman Chuy García (@RepChuyGarcia) November 19, 2021
We passed the Build Back Better Act.
It wouldn't have seen daylight without the activists, organizers and progressives pushing to ensure we deliver on our commitments to the people.
Our work isn't done. We need you to keep pushing the Senate to get this done. Let's go!
— Jamaal Bowman (@JamaalBowmanNY) November 19, 2021
Organizations that have worked on this issue for decades celebrated the good news, but also acknowledged that the fight continues in the Senate:
🦅 BREAKING: The House of Representatives passed the #BuildBackBetterAct – delivering relief to millions of undocumented immigrants like farm workers!
La lucha sigue – on to the Senate. #SiSePuede pic.twitter.com/pbs9jCRGNL
— UFW Foundation (@ufwfoundation) November 19, 2021
"This is a huge achievement. We salute the work of Speaker Pelosi and the House Democrats for producing this major breakthrough." – our Executive Director @FrankSharry on House Democrats passing the #BuildBackBetterAct with immigration reform provisions.https://t.co/jOGZQFt3tE pic.twitter.com/2A1t9fjiiP
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) November 19, 2021
After months of negotiations, the House of Representatives just passed the Build Back Better Act.
We're now closer than ever to delivering real, meaningful change to the American people.
A 🧵 on this moment, and where we go next:
— Progressive Caucus (@USProgressives) November 19, 2021
Advocates reminded members of Congress of the importance of keeping their promises:
The BBB passing the House is a HUGE chance for Dems to keep their decades long promise to our immigrant community. No more excuses and no hiding behind the Parliamentarian (whom btw used to work for the gov deporting people).
Enough excuses. You have the tools, Dems. Use them!
— Erika Andiola (@ErikaAndiola) November 19, 2021
Today is a celebration of inside/outside organizing. Movements of people built power,used new muscles,partnered w rigor & moved w discipline to ensure MOCs delivered meaningful change for our people & planet.Holdin ❤ movements of people who got us here incl our @IndivisibleTeam
— Mari Urbina (@TiaMari489) November 19, 2021
Others recognized that while the Build Back Better Act is not perfect, it does provide immediate relief for millions of undocumented immigrants:
*** THOUGHTS ON #IMMIGRATION + #BUILDBACKBETTER ***
Two things can be true at the same time —
1. The BBB falls short of delivering a path to citizenship
2. The BBB gives immediate relief for MILLIONS of immigrants including work authorization + deportation protections
— Juan Escalante (@JuanSaaa) November 19, 2021
