Washington, DC – Yesterday the House Judiciary Committee moved forward legislation to grant legal permanent resident status – a stepping stone to citizenship – to Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers and other essential workers.
Immigrant populations are an ever more important part of the economic and community fabric of the nation. A just-released Center for American Progress report captures state-by-state data on the number of immigrants who would gain legal status through the proposed House Judiciary Committee’s legislation. The findings reflect the reality that immigrants and their families are deeply interwoven into the American economy.
Yesterday’s marathon Judiciary Committee markup included debate on more than 30 ugly anti-immigrant amendments offered by House Republicans. As is often the case when it comes to immigration policy, the GOP is more interested in scoring points with their base, demonizing immigrants as threats, and scuttling progress towards solutions. Democrats stuck together and defeated every Republican amendment.
The following is a statement from Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice:
Yesterday our country took another step forward toward formally recognizing millions of deeply-rooted friends, family and neighbors as the Americans they already are.
Under the leadership of Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Immigration Subcommittee Chair Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), House Democrats In the Judiciary Committee staved off Republican attacks and united in support of a long overdue breakthrough. As a result, millions of Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers and essential workers are one step closer to freedom.
This is the year. The American people from across the political spectrum support citizenship for millions. Democrats are united behind the proposal. The White House strongly supports the initiative. It’s time to translate this momentum and support into results.
Additional Background
State-by-State Analysis from the Center for American Progress (CAP) on Populations Eligible for Potential New Pathways to Citizenship. Yesterday, the Center for American Progress issued state-specific population estimates for Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers and essential workers covered by the legislation, finding a total of 6.9 million individuals would potentially qualify.
Previously, CAP economic analysis showed that, “providing citizenship to these groups would add $1.5 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product, create 400,000 new jobs, and raise the annual wages of all Americans by an average $600 over the next decade.”
