Episode Summary:

There is no better time than now to lend your voice to the fight to secure a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants! That’s why next week’s episode of the Voices for Human Needs podcast is all about the ongoing efforts of grassroots advocates, allies in Congress, and directly impacted communities across the country to finally passing legislation that protects millions of Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and essential immigrant workers from deportation. Listeners will hear from long-time immigration advocates Lia Parada, who currently serves as the Director of Legislative Advocacy at The Immigration Hub, and Diana Pliego, a DACA recipient herself and Policy Associate with the National Immigration Law Center.

Lia and Diana will share how programs like DACA demonstrate the profound benefits that legal status has to support the educational and professional ambitions of millions of young and talented people. Our featured speakers also discuss why a pathway to citizenship for the millions of essential contributors to the U.S. economy is long overdue and must be fulfilled by members of Congress. Listen in for actionable steps that anyone can take at the grassroots and federal policy levels to urge Congress to pass a pathway to citizenship in the upcoming jobs and infrastructure legislation.

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On September 19, the Senate Parliamentarian ruled that the initial proposals by Democratic lawmakers to include the legalization of a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, temporary protected status holders, and essential workers were not appropriate for inclusion in the reconciliation process. Immigration advocates across the country and in Washington D.C. are not giving up though in response to the Parliamentarian’s ruling. Instead, advocates insist this is still the beginning of the ongoing fight for immigration reform and will continue to work with members of Congress to explore every mechanism available to deliver a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer responded to the Senate Parliamentarian’s decision noting his “deep disappointment.” But he also reiterated his commitment to continue fighting for a pathway to lawful status for immigrants during the budget reconciliation process. Senate Democrats have prepared alternate proposals and will be holding additional meetings with the Senate Parliamentarian before the budget is voted on.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode to learn more about the ongoing fight for immigration reform and how anyone can make their voice heard! See below for some actions you can take.

Actions You Can Take Now!

• Take action with the #WeAreHome campaign!
  • Re-share content on social media using #WeAreHome’s social toolkit.
  • Call your Senator to build a path to citizenship.
  • Sign We Are Home’s petition to include a path to citizenship in the upcoming infrastructure budget.

• Take action with the National Immigration Law Center:
  • Sign the National Immigration Law Center’s Petition: Urge the Senate to Stand Up for Immigrants and Keep Fighting for Citizenship in the Reconciliation Bill Today!
  • Tweet at Congress Citizenship Now!
• Sign CHN’s petition and tell Congress to pass the most critical investments in our future since the New Deal.