Importantly, the proposal will not put millions of undocumented immigrants on the direct path to citizenship – the new measure alone will not entitle them to get green cards immediately. Immigrants currently eligible for a green card, such as the parents of adult US citizens, will still be able to obtain citizenship under the plan.
Proponents of the plan have argued that the underwater proposal should satisfy the MP, who had criticized the size of earlier versions.
The law would give undocumented immigrants not only protection from deportation, but the ability to obtain work permits—a point that immigration advocates say the provision should link more explicitly to the federal budget, allowing lawmakers to do so. Meets. allowed to do. Giving will be easier. Reconciliation rules.
“This is a last-ditch effort to salvage and salvage some reconciliation process that could provide some level of protection for the undecided, while Democrats keep control of Congress,” said Chris Ramon, a Washington-based immigration consultant. That’s where I think the proponents wanted to land. “
Democrats’ plan would cover most undocumented immigrants who entered the United States before January 1, 2011, and could help 7 million to 8 million people, people familiar with the plan said. This would allow covered people to travel outside the country with Homeland Security approval.
The proposal essentially codifies an improved version of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA program, launched by President Barack Obama in 2012, which provides work permits and legal status to people who came to the United States before 2012. and continues to live in the country. Since then.
“My guiding principle during the ongoing reconciliation process is providing a path to citizenship for the largest contingent of the undocumented community,” Senator Robert Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey who worked on the issue, said in a statement. “Despite MP’s recent negative opinion, I will continue to work with a broad coalition of groups, including my allies and advocates, to find a way forward.”