U.S. Citizenship Act (H.R. 1177)

Awaiting Vote
Bill Summary

This bill would create an eight-year pathway to citizenship for many undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States. It would also expand the use of screening technologies to bolster border security and provide assistance to Central America. The bill would further limit presidential authority to issue immigration bans on the basis of religion and has provisions to expand access to Diversity Visas and refugee admissions. Sponsor: Rep. Linda T. Sanchez (Democrat, California, District 38)
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Opponents say

• "Today the Biden administration suggested foreigners wait to illegally enter the U.S. until it can ready amnesty and non-enforcement programs. They dismantle immigration enforcement, invite more illegal aliens to rush our borders, and endanger both the public health and recovery of the United States." Source:Sen. Tom Cotton (Republican, Arkansas)
• "America should always welcome immigrants who want to become Americans. But we need laws that decide who and how many can come here, and those laws must be followed and enforced. There are many issues I think we can work cooperatively with President-elect Biden, but a blanket amnesty for people who are here unlawfully isn’t going to be one of them." Source: Sen. Marco Rubio (Republican, Florida)

Proponents say

• "I have dedicated my career to building an immigration system that lets people live without fear, and a system that gives immigrants - like my parents - who sought a better life and contribute to our nation a fair opportunity to thrive. After all, immigration reform isn’t just about policy changes and politics-as-usual, it’s about people: our loved ones, friends, and neighbors who have been living in communities and contributing to our country for decades. They deserve real relief. With President Biden’s leadership and vision, Democratic majorities in both Chambers, and the support of the majority of Americans: this is our moment to finally deliver big, bold, and inclusive immigration reform that our nation and its people deserve." Source:Rep. Linda T. Sanzhez (Democrat, California, District 38)
• "This bill will help ensure that immigrants like those in my district who strengthen our economy and add so much value to our communities are treated with dignity and respect. It will help reunite and keep families together and protect the millions of undocumented immigrates who contribute to our nation, including those serving in our armed forces and on the front line battling the COVID-19 pandemic. I am thrilled that this legislation builds on the principles of my Dream and Promise Act and expedites a pathway to citizenship for all DACA-eligible youth, as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED) recipients." Source: Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (Democrat, California, District 40)