Washington, DC – On Sunday, the Senate Parliamentarian issued the first of what will likely be multiple rulings in the budget reconciliation process. While the parliamentarian raised concerns on one approach to including a path to citizenship in the budget, Senate Democrats will move forward with an alternative approach to follow through on their promise to pursue every possible option to pass a path to citizenship this year for Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers, and essential workers.
Faith groups stand by their convictions that immigrants are image-bearers of their Creator, worthy of just and humane treatment that honors their God-given dignity. Undeterred by yesterday’s ruling and remaining faithful to their call, members of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition are committed to continue working with Congress to ensure that millions of undocumented immigrants will have lasting protections.
“Our work to secure a path to citizenship this year continues. This road to victory has been years in the making. We are not deterred by the recent opinions from the parliamentarian. It is not a matter of whether we can secure much needed permanent protections for millions in our community but a matter of how.” said Peniel Ibe, IIC co-chair and Policy Engagement Coordinator at the American Friends Service Committee. “Thus, we trust that the Senate will proceed with a different approach that will demonstrate to the parliamentarian that this proposal will have a direct budget impact and stimulate years of economic growth while bringing long awaited stability to many without permanent protection in the United States. This process is far from over. As people of faith concerned with the dignity and flourishing of all people, we are urging Congress to move forward with the next step towards ensuring citizenship for all this year.”
“This decision was far from our last shot at the passage of a critical provision that a bipartisan majority of voters consistently support: a path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants,” said Elissa Diaz, IIC co-chair and Policy and Advocacy Manager at Church World Service. “As an organization that has been faithfully advocating for immigration reform for years, Church World Service unequivocally states that the time is NOW for Congress to pass a path to citizenship – a move that will positively impact the federal government’s budget, boost the economy, create new jobs, and increase wages for American workers. We will continue to fight alongside faith communities across the country and the millions of immigrants who call the U.S. home.”
“I am saddened by the parliamentarian’s first ruling on immigration in the Budget Reconciliation Bill. For over a decade, Undocumented immigrants and advocates have fought to create a pathway to citizenship. We know this is a process, and one unfavorable ruling is not the end. We are determined to continue the fight until we have a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, farmworkers, and essential workers,” said José Arnulfo Cabrera, Director of Education and Advocacy for Migration at the Ignatian Solidarity Network and IIC Citizenship Working Group Co-Lead. “It is now time for Congress to move forward with an alternative approach that will help the parliamentarian see the direct impact a pathway to citizenship will have on the budget and potential economic growth in the coming years. I am hopeful that the work my fellow Undocumented immigrants and advocates have done to get us to this point will get us to the finish line of having a pathway to citizenship.”
“This preliminary decision is only that: a preliminary decision for what was expected to be a rigorous process. We’re confident that an approach highlighting the unmistakable and life-changing impact of a pathway to earn citizenship will prevail. Congress has a moral and economic imperative to deliver on a pathway to citizenship this year.” said Giovana Oaxaca, Program Director for Migration Policy at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and IIC Citizenship Working Group Co-Lead. “The tireless advocacy of directly impacted immigrants and our communities has brought us this far and sustained advocacy will deliver us across the finish line. People of faith across the country demand justice and permanent protections for their family members and neighbors. We have to keep faith and our spirits high.”
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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