Seattle – Essential workers, many of whom are our immigrant family members and neighbors, are among the millions of Americans that have come together to help get us through the pandemic. And yet, many immigrants working in essential roles have been unjustly excluded from full citizenship in the United States.
“Throughout its history, our nation has always welcomed immigrants and has been a refuge to people fleeing violence and oppression in their home countries,” said Pat Millen, OSF, JPIC Coordinator for the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia in Washington. “Anti-immigrant and anti-refugee executive orders are inhumane and do not respect the rights and dignity of those coming to our borders seeking asylum or who have lived here as aspiring citizens, contributing to our society in many ways. Instead of these policies, we owe it to immigrants and their families to provide them a path to citizenship.”
Both Congress and the American people want solutions. Congress has made many legislative attempts at creating a path to citizenship. In March, bills that allow farmworkers and people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for permanent legal status cleared the House on a bipartisan basis. Polling from NPR/Ipsos, Global Strategy Group, ALG Research, Public Opinion Strategies (GOP) poll, and Data For Progress all show that a range of 66% to 75% of those polled desire a path to citizenship. In spite of this overwhelming support, a permanent solution has yet to be signed into law.
As people of faith, we believe in the inherent dignity of every human being, worthy of justice and inclusion. We believe that our federal government must legislate in ways that promote full human flourishing, as creating a path to citizenship would do. The next step is for the Senate to take bold action. The people of the state of Washington are calling on Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray to ensure that a path to citizenship for our immigrant family members, neighbors, and friends becomes law this year.
Residents of Washington, including people of faith, want Congress to pass a path to citizenship. Over 900 individuals and 195 faith-based organizations sent a letter to Congress calling for a path to citizenship by any means necessary, including 31 faith leaders and five faith-based organizations in Washington. Supporters also include local policymakers: in a recent letter, seven Washington mayors urged Congress to pass a path to citizenship for DACA recipients and “Dreamers.” In a May Day event, hundreds of Washingtonians marched in Seattle to urge Congress to pass a path to citizenship for immigrant essential workers. There are 150,000 undocumented immigrant essential workers in Washington – approximately 5% of the state’s essential workforce – in need of a path to citizenship.
“Congress and the Biden administration must seize this opportunity and finally move things forward on immigration,” said Elissa Diaz, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Church World Service and Co-Chair of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC). “A path to citizenship has broad support across the country, including among people of faith. It would transform the lives of so many children and families, including those who are members of our congregations, places of worship, and communities. Our leadership in Washington must do everything possible, and use every legislative means at their disposal, to pass it this year.”
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of over 55 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.
Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
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