Roybal-Allard Statement on U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 Immigration Bill

Press Release

Today, President Joe Biden and Congressional Democrats unveiled the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, robust immigration reform legislation that will modernize the nation's immigration system. The bill will prioritize reuniting and keeping families together and will boost America's economy while protecting all workers, regardless of status. It will also responsibly and effectively manage the border with smart investments, address the root causes of migration to the United States from Central America, ensure the United States remains a refuge for those fleeing persecution, and more. Efforts to guide the bill through the U.S. House of Representatives are being led by U.S. Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-7), Judy Chu (CA-27), Yvette Clarke (NY-9), and Karen Bass (CA-37).

Rep. Roybal-Allard issued the following statement:

"I am pleased to join my colleagues in the introduction of President Biden's U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021. This robust immigration reform bill is long overdue. Over my 28 years in Congress, I and the members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus have worked hard to reform our broken immigration system. This bill will help ensure that immigrants like those in my district who strengthen our economy and add so much value to our communities are treated with dignity and justice.

"This bill will help reunite and keep families together and protect the millions of undocumented immigrants who contribute to our nation, including those serving in our armed forces and those who are essential workers on the front lines battling the COVID-19 pandemic. It also builds on the principles of the Dream and Promise Act, of which I and Congresswomen Nydia Velázquez and Yvette Clarke are the original co-sponsors, by expediting a pathway to citizenship for all DACA-eligible youth, as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) recipients. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Biden Administration to pass the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 into law."

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