Washington, D.C. – Today, United We Dream led eight other progressive and racial justice organizations in unveiling a brand new, full page ad in the New York Times. For these organizations, including Black Voters Matter, The Frontline, Indivisible, Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), Make The Road New York, MoveOn, the Sunrise Movement, and the Working Families Party, and their millions of members, citizenship for millions of immigrants is a top priority.
The ad, which runs today across the country, leaves no question that Democrats hold all the power to deliver citizenship for millions this year.
Greisa Martinez Rosas, Executive Director of United We Dream, said:
“After 35 years of inaction from Congress, we have a once in a generation opportunity to pass citizenship for millions through budget reconciliation. President Biden, Vice President Harris, Senate Majority Leader Schumer and House Speaker Pelosi have all the power and it’s up to them to deliver. All year, immigrant youth of United We Dream have led the charge in demanding the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress use all their power to pass a pathway to citizenship for millions this year, no excuses.
Citizenship is a national priority and extremely popular with the majority of the American people. This is the moment for Democrats – President Biden, Vice President Harris, and the Democratic leadership in Congress – to step-up and deliver citizenship for millions of immigrant youth, TPS holders, farm workers and other essential workers – our communities cannot go another year without protections from detention and deportation. I believe that we will win.”
Yaritza Mendez, Co-Director of Organizing at Make the Road New York, said:
“We have reached a pivotal moment where Congress has an opportunity to pass an inclusive budget that will help our country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and deliver long-lasting relief to milllions of undocumented immigrants. Immigrants put their lives on the line throughout the pandemic to keep our communities safe, and have long been part of the backbone of our economy. Immigrant communities have organized for decades for a pathway to citizenship, and today we are closer than ever to winning a broad path to citizenship for DACA recipients, TPS holders, essential workers, and farmworkers. We urge Democratic leaders to hold their conference together and ensure a path to citizenship makes it over the finish line this year.”
Varshini Prakash, Executive Director of Sunrise Movement, said:
“Migrants are on the frontlines of every climate crisis, whether it’s bracing for a tornado or storm, or breathing in toxic air due to pollution and coal ash, working jobs that make America stay afloat. As politicians reap the benefits of migrant communities’ labor, families face endless trauma by the immigration system, living in constant fear of facing detention and deportation. We must pass citizenship for millions now. Our families and communities can’t wait any longer.”
Mary Small, National Advocacy Director of Indivisible, said:
“This recovery package is the best opportunity for Democrats to put their money where their mouth is and follow through on promises of paving and funding a pathway to citizenship. The Indivisible movement stands with the millions of immigrant families who have been living in uncertainty for far too long. It’s been nine months since Democrats gained control of the House, Senate, and White House — they must start flexing the trifecta muscle to pass a bold, inclusive recovery package that centers progressive priorities and ensures immigrant families have a clear and guaranteed pathway to citizenship.”
Rahna Epting, Executive Director of MoveOn, said:
“Millions of people mobilized to deliver the White House and majorities in Congress to Democrats, and now it’s time for Democrats to act on the power voters entrusted them with. This year, Democrats can deliver citizenship for millions and permanently protect immigrants who are essential members of our communities. Now is the time for bold leadership and to follow through on the promises Democrats have been making to transform cruel immigration policies into a functional, humane, fair system aligned with the founding values our country aspires to. We can’t afford to wait. Citizenship for millions now is the path forward to a stronger, more prosperous future for all of us.”
Cliff Albright and LaTosha Brown, Co-founders of Black Voters Matter, said:
“Last year, President Biden and congressional Democrats won their elections on promises to Black, Latinx, and other communities of color to expand U.S. citizenship. We’re backing this ad to urge them to make good on those promises and provide citizenship for immigrant youth, TPS holders, and millions of essential workers. We gave them the power during the last election cycle; it’s time they use it.”
