This statement can be attributed to Olivia Golden, executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP). 

Washington, D.C., September 20, 2021–The first ruling by the Senate Parliamentarian that a pathway to citizenship cannot be a part of the budget reconciliation package is deeply disappointing. But we will not be discouraged, and we will not give up because there is too much at stake for children and families. Congress must move forward with an alternative approach. 

All children deserve a chance to thrive and reach their full potential, and all families deserve to be together. But today, more than 5 million children with immigrant parents are dealing with overwhelming stress and food and housing insecurity that mars their development—all because their parents have been deported or are at risk of deportation and do not have the full benefits of citizenship.  

We urge Congress to pursue every option to secure a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants who have helped our country make it through the pandemic by filling essential roles and who are critical to our country’s successful recovery. A path to citizenship would finally provide immigrants and their families stability and security, including lifting at least 250,000 children out of poverty. We absolutely must get this done this year.