Washington, DC — On a press call today, immigrant advocates gave their take on the state of play regarding the movement’s drive to legalize millions of undocumented immigrants in Congress this year. 

Lorella Praeli, Co-President, Community Change Action, said, “From the beginning of the year, we have been fighting for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. We have been clear and consistent with Democratic leadership on our expectation – legalization, this year, via reconciliation. And we continue to say that there are no participation trophies, no awards for effort. Democrats have the power to make it happen. If the parliamentarian thwarts our Plan C, then Democrats must bypass her advisory opinion and use the majority we helped them win to achieve the transformational change they promised. 70% of voters support a pathway to citizenship. Democrats will meet accountability at the ballot box if they fail to deliver legalization for our communities, and for the country, in this reconciliation package.”

Greisa Martinez Rosas, Executive Director, United We Dream and United We Dream Action, said, “Organizers and directly impacted people like the members of United We Dream Action have been working all year to create the historic opportunity we have right now to deliver protections for millions of undocumented immigrants through reconciliation. We will not take “No” for an answer because our lives are at stake. We have been clear from the beginning: Democrats— President Biden, Vice President Harris, the Senate majority leader Schumer and Speaker Pelosi — have all the power to deliver. They are in charge, no one else. Democrats must leave no stone unturned as they find a way to deliver on the promises their party has been making for the past 35 years.” 

Gustavo Torres, Executive Director of CASA, said, “For years, immigrants have fought long and hard for citizenship. And we are finally a breath away from victory. With this Democratic majority in Congress, we know that Democratic leadership has the political power to deliver. They have committed to doing just that. This is a movement moment and we must be committed to holding the line. We as CASA seek citizenship for millions and will continue fighting for it.”

Jess Morales Rocketto, Executive Director, Care in Action and Co-Chair, Families Belong Together, said, “We are feeling optimistic. Our champions have vowed to fight for us and our movement is stronger than ever. We welcome the chance to pass laws that actually make an impact as we have grown and sharpened all the tools in our toolbox. We put President Biden and Vice President Harris in the White House for them to use their majority to keep their promise for the millions of families that need relief and recovery.”

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