Senate budget framework includes path to citizenship for millions of immigrants
Copied from New American Economy:Β
Senate Democrats just released their budget framework, which includes a path to green cards and citizenship for millions of immigrant workers and families. For the Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers, and other essential workers who have been a lifeline to the U.S. through the pandemic, the budget reconciliation process represents the best chance at legalization this year.
There is a difficult fight ahead in Congress, and we need your help to make this opportunity a reality. Contact your senator today, and tell them to include a path to citizenship in the budget.
Including green cards for these workers in the budget is a win for our economy and all Americans. NAE research has shown how critical these and all immigrants are to our economy, especially as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic:
- More than half of all Dreamers are essential workers, including more than 60,000, who are fighting on the front lines as healthcare workers. Overall, immigrants represent 16.5% of all healthcare workers, including 36.5% of home health aides, 28.7% of physicians, and 15.7% of registered nurses.
- Almost half of the U.S.βs agriculture workers are immigrants, and one-fourth are undocumented. Immigrants are critical to the entire food supply chain, making up 21.6% of all food sector workers, 28.7% of food processing workers, 18.2% of food delivery workers, and 16.6% of grocery and supermarket workers.
- Dreamers pay close to $4 billion in taxes every year, while TPS holders pay more than $1.5 billion. They also hold considerable power as consumers, helping to support local economies and businesses as they work to recover from the recession. DACA-eligible immigrants hold more than $19 billion in spending power, while TPS holders hold close to $6 billion.
The fight for these workers, their families, and our economic future is happening right now! Please join us by contacting your senator today.
Together, we can ensure a brighter future for all Americans, including the millions of Dreamers who call this country home.
Thank you for your support in this fight,
Jeremy Robbins
Executive Director
New American Economy
Written by
Watson Immigration LawImmigration Attorney at Watson Immigration Law, specializing in business and investor immigration.