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ILCM Supports the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021
Posted on Apr 15 2021
Most undocumented immigrants in the United States have lived here for more than 10 years. Some are young Dreamers, others have lived here for decades with Temporary Protected Status. Millions are essential workers, who have protected and supported the entire country during the pandemic. Current law gives them no path to citizenship, no “line” to wait in, no way to ever “become legal.” The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 would protect their lives, families, homes, and jobs by creating a path to citizenship. These protections are not only long overdue but are also critical to our country’s economic recovery.
The proposed law would also encourage family reunification by allowing spouses and children of Legal Permanent Residents to apply for visas immediately, without waiting for years for a quota number. The law would abolish punitive three-year and ten-year bars which have prevented many family members from getting green cards.
Other family members with approved petitions would be allowed to remain in the United States while waiting for a quota number.
Just about three-quarters of the U.S. public supports a path to legal status and citizenship for undocumented immigrants. America wants to formally recognize undocumented immigrants as the Americans they already are.
We urge Congress to listen to their constituents and pass the U.S. Citizenship Act together with the New Way Forward Act to address criminalization of immigrants.