Corazón Latino Welcomes the Introduction of the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act
Washington, D.C., February 26, 2021 – Corazón Latino today welcomes the introduction of the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act by Senator Padilla (D-CA), Senator Warren (D-MA), Congressman Castro (D-TX), and Congressman Lieu (D-CA).
This proposed legislation comes at a critical time, as immigrant communities suffer disproportionately from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic – they urgently need relief and deserve the opportunity to pursue a better future for themselves and their families.
Ben Monterroso, Chairman of the Board of Corazón Latino, issued the following statement:
"We welcome today's legislative proposal brought by newly-appointed Senator Padilla, Senator Warren, and Representatives Castro and Lieu. The Citizenship for Essential Workers Act will deliver an expedited pathway to citizenship for over 5 million undocumented essential workers who provide invaluable contributions to our society.
"They are farmworkers, meatpackers, nurses, first responders, domestic workers, janitors, construction workers, grocery store clerks, teachers, home health aides, childcare providers – and they are keeping our society and economy resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic. They deserve dignity, fairness, and the opportunity to be part of the American dream.
"Let us also remember that these essential workers are part of the frontline communities suffering the most severe consequences of climate change – from extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and deadly floods, to air and land pollution that disproportionately affects communities of color. They urgently need relief.
"The introduction of this bill gives us all hope that we can reward the sacrifice and determination of millions of workers that support the fulfillment of the American Way of Life for everybody in this country.
"We must act now. Congress must deliver a fair, long-term solution to the millions of immigrants that have contributed so much to ensure the success and prosperity of our great Nation."
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Corazón Latino is a national non-profit organization that seeks to generate social, environmental, and conservation initiatives that promote the protection of natural resources. Corazón Latino mobilizes the passion, love, unity, solidarity, and resources of individuals, communities, organizations, and government entities to promote the common good. Visit us at http://www.corazonlatino.us.