Center for Popular Democracy Action: Democrats Must Disregard the Parliamentarian and Pass a Pathway to Citizenship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Friday, December 17, 2021

CONTACT:
press@populardemocracy.org

“The parliamentarian got it wrong, and an unelected official does not get to have the final word in a democracy.” 

NEW YORK CITY - Yesterday, the Senate parliamentarian advised against including temporary immigration protections in the Build Back Better Act reconciliation package. This comes after she had already rejected two proposals for a pathway to citizenship in previous months.  In response, Natalia Aristizabal, Campaign Director for Immigrant Justice at the Center for Popular Democracy Action, issued the following statement:

“Democrats must disregard the parliamentarian’s advice and include a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act.  Millions of immigrants have been at the forefront of the pandemic response, stepping up when their communities needed them most. We cannot build back better if we leave them behind.

“The parliamentarian got it wrong, and an unelected official does not get to have the final word in a democracy.  Her advice is just that — advice.  If Democrats hope to hold their power in the next Congress, they must deliver on their promises. That includes a pathway to citizenship, which would transform the lives of millions who deserve to live without fear of being separated from their families and communities.

“We call on Vice President Harris, in her role as the Presiding Officer of the Senate, to disregard the parliamentarian, and for Senate Democrats to uphold Vice President Harris’s ruling.  Immigrants mobilized to elect Democrats — who control the Senate, House of Representatives and the White House.  We expect Democrats to meet this historic moment by using every tool at their disposal to deliver on their promise of a pathway to citizenship.

“This country cannot wait for Build Back Better any longer. We need to pass this transformative bill immediately with a pathway to citizenship.”

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About The Center for Popular Democracy Action: CPD Action works to create equity, opportunity, and a dynamic democracy in partnership with high-impact base-building organizations, organizing alliances, and progressive unions. We work on campaigns that promote a pro-worker, pro-immigrant, racial and economic justice agenda and win victories to improve people’s lives.