SAN JUAN, TX – The House Judiciary Committee today moved forward a proposal that creates new pathways to Citizenship for farmworkers, TPS holders, Dreamers and essential workers. The committee’s action is yet another step toward delivering Citizenship for millions of immigrants through the budget reconciliation process.

In new figures out today, the Center for American Progress estimates that 6.9 million people–including 1,186,100 Texans–would qualify for a path to citizenship under the House Judiciary Committee proposal.

Anna Sanchez, rapid response digital organizer for La Unión del Pueblo Entero, said:

“Immigrant communities have shown our power this past year and a half to keep the country safe, cared for and fed. Immigrant workers risked their lives and risked deportation during the worst crisis in a century. Immigrants are essential not only because they contribute to society but because they are human beings who deserve human rights. Now is the time to recognize that by delivering a path to Citizenship.”

Luis Castillo, education and youth organizer for LUPE, said:

“During the worst public health crisis of our lifetime, more than 5 million undocumented immigrants have been risking their lives as “essential workers”. How can we be labeled as essential and deportable at the same time? People in essential industries such as healthcare, home care, transportation, agriculture, food production, construction, and more have put the lives of others first. It doesn’t get more American than that. Rio Grande Valley Members of Congress must have courage and act boldly. Their inaction leaves immigrant youth, TPS holders, farmworkers and essential workers vulnerable to attacks from Governor Abbott and other power-hungry politicians. We don’t want any more dreams or promises, we want actions.”

What happened

The Judiciary Committee of the US House of Representatives is reviewing the budget reconciliation proposal and debating amendments on amendments. The proposal is far from finalized and there are many more legislative steps to come before these new pathways become a reality.

Why it matters

What this committee action shows is the momentum that immigrant communities have built to win a path to Citizenship through Congress this year. It also shows that Democratic leadership is serious about using the budget reconciliation process to deliver on that promise. But Democrats must remain united in both the House and the Senate to get this done. Democratic leaders will need to hold their party together.

And Rio Grande Valley communities need to hold the feet of RGV Members of Congress to the fire and ensure they use their influence to see Citizenship through past the finish line.

What does Citizenship have to do with the budget?

The Center for American Progress and the University of California, Davis estimate that providing Citizenship to farmworkers, TPS holders, Dreamers and essential workers would “add $1.5 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product, create 400,000 new jobs, and raise the annual wages of all Americans by an average $600 over the next decade.”