Phoenix, AZ — Sunday night, after weeks of anticipation the Senate Parliamentarian announced her recommendation against including the legalization of millions of immigrants through the budget reconciliation process. While this is an unfortunate decision, offering a pathway to citizenship for the millions of Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers, and essential workers is still viable. Over 70% of Americans support a pathway to citizenship!
Alex Gomez & Tomas Robles, Co-Executive Director for LUCHA said:
“Let us be clear: The Parliamentarian serves at the pleasure of Senate Democrats. They offer opinions and expert advice over Senate rules and procedures. They are unelected public servants, they do not make rulings, and no Senator who supports a pathway to citizenship should hide behind the words of a Parliamentarian. We call on President Biden, Vice-President Harris, the Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and all Senate Democrats to seek all other avenues and approaches, to deliver a pathway for citizenship for our communities!”
Tonight’s decision by an unelected senate staffer is unacceptable but it’s not the end. Democratic Senators Sinema and Kelly must deliver on their promises made to our communities. It’s been 35 years since the last time major reform was passed. We are in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to once and for all provide citizenship this year for Millions of immigrants who continue living in the shadows while providing essential services to our communities and the economy.
LUCHA and allies will continue the work to hold the Biden administration and our Democratic Arizona Senators to deliver a pathway and leave no stone unturned, we expect no less. It is time to show some leadership, bravery, and to meet the moment.