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ABIC to continue push for citizenship path after House takes positive first step by approving work permits and temporary protection from deportation for 7 million immigrants

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) applauds advancement of an immigration measure that would provide work permits and temporary protection from deportation to about seven million undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. at least since Jan. 1, 2011, as part of the Build Back Better package approved by the House on Friday.

The following is a statement by Rebecca Shi, Executive Director of American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC):

“Updates to the immigration work permits program is a major step forward for millions of immigrant workers and the employers who depend on their labor. With more than 10 million job openings across the country, this proposal will help bring people out of the shadows, expand our workforce and keep families together..

“This vote comes at an important moment in our economic history, as additional workers will help address dire labor shortages that are a contributing factor to unmet consumer demand and rising inflation.

“While we welcome the House vote, ABIC continues to push for pathways to citizenship for Dreamers, essential workers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and farm workers. According to ABIC’s poll, citizenship is strongly supported by voters across the political spectrum. Permanent status also would accelerate economic activity by $121 billion annually, including $31 billion more per year to federal state and local tax revenues, and raise the wage floor for all Americans. Citizenship would provide stability for immigrant families and the employers who rely on their skills.

“Now, it is up to the Senate to ensure that work authorizations and other protections will remain in the legislation and that every effort be made to include citizenship. Our immigrant workforce, including Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, essential workers, and farmworkers have performed the lion’s share of work during this pandemic. They deserve citizenship from a grateful nation, and their employers need the stability in their workforce this will ensure. ABIC will not give up this fight.

ABOUT ABIC

The American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) promotes common sense immigration reform that advances economic competitiveness, provides companies with both the high-skilled and low-skilled talent they need, and allows the integration of immigrants into our economy as consumers, workers, entrepreneurs, and citizens.  ABIC is active in key states and communities across the country engaging activists, advocates, business leaders, and elected officials on the urgency of passing immigration reform that boosts our economy, creates jobs, eases the labor shortage and supports families.