WASHINGTON, DC — FWD.us President Todd Schulte released the following statement today on the House passage of the Build Back Better Act, which includes immigration relief:
“Today, House Democrats voted in support of millions of American families by passing the Build Back Better Act. The immigration relief included in this bill will ensure that millions of undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. for an average of 20 years will be able to access work permits and protection from deportation, keeping them safe and together with their loved ones and allowing them to continue to contribute to our country and our communities.

“Now, the Senate must act to help get the job done – the wellbeing of millions of American families is in their hands, and failure to provide urgently-needed relief would be devastating. The proposals for immigration relief in the Build Back Better Act have been thoughtfully designed to pass the requirements of the ‘Byrd Rule,’ and we are confident it will do so given the clear and substantial budgetary and economic impact.

“While this legislation would create meaningful opportunities and make life better for millions of people who have done so much in service of our country, we know it falls short of the pathway to citizenship that is needed. We will not stop fighting to achieve a pathway to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented immigrants until that becomes a reality. Still, the Build Back Better Act is an enormous step forward toward achieving life-changing protections for millions of American families. The Senate must act without delay.”