WASHINGTON, DC – FWD.us is announcing a key vote today on the Build Back Better Act, which includes transformative immigration relief. FWD.us President Todd Schulte issued the following statement:
“When Congress passes the Build Back Better Act, Dreamers and undocumented immigrants who have been in the US for 20 years on average will have access to work permits and protection from deportation because of the transformative immigration relief included in this bill. It will keep millions of American families safe and together, allowing people to hug their loved ones abroad after years of being separated, and will put the American Dream back in reach for millions of people. In the strongest possible terms, we urge every member of the House to vote in favor of this historic legislation today.

“It is long past time when Congress should have voted to protect immigrant families, and this bill still doesn’t achieve the ultimate goal of a pathway to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented people in our country. We will continue to fight to achieve permanent relief, and believe this legislation is a critical step toward that ultimate goal. But two things can be true at the same time: that this legislation is far less than what is needed, and would still be life-changing for millions of immigrant families across the country.

“We want to be clear on the process, particularly for those families for whom this policy is life-changing and for whom failure would be devastating. Today, we call on House Democrats to all vote for this bill. Upon House passage, the bill then moves to the Senate where it needs all Democrats to support passage as required, as well as be in compliance with the rules of reconciliation. This proposal is 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.

“As House members vote today, we know they will do so with a clear understanding of the human impact of their decision and how this impacts DACA recipients like Jaime and so many other Americans. The bravery of so many undocumented immigrants, who risked their safety and security to share their stories and make the complexity of these policies real and human, is profound. Their strength and courage is why this moment is possible and we are incredibly proud to stand with our colleagues, friends, and families as Congress takes another step toward the relief that is so desperately needed.

“This is a truly historic vote. Every Member of the House of Representatives can and must vote YES.”

Background:
More information on the impact of the immigration relief in the Build Back Better Act can be found here.