Corazón Latino's Statement on the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021

Statement issued by Ben Monterroso, Chairman of the Board of Corazón Latino

Washington, D.C., February 18, 2021 – Corazón Latino today welcomes the introduction of the U.S. Citizenship Act 2021 by Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA). This legislation, which President Biden announced on his first day in office, would create a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants, including DREAMers, and prioritizes family reunification, restores protections for Central American families and children, and removes barriers for workers to immigrate to the United States legally.

Ben Monterroso, Chairman of the Board of Corazón Latino, issued the following statement:

"Today is a great day for the immigrant community – it has taken decades of hard work by countless activists, volunteers, and allies who have worked tirelessly to make this historic, long-overdue moment possible. For years, Congress has prevented the passage of meaningful immigration reform, so I was encouraged that the Biden Harris Administration made this a Day One priority.

We are now on the path to making lasting, life-changing improvements to the lives of millions. But our work isn't over yet – we all must take action by demanding our elected officials to move swiftly to pass this legislation. This is the year it must happen. The time is now.

The COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a spotlight on immigrants and undocumented workers' invaluable contributions to keeping our economy and society moving. They strengthen our communities and our economy – they are the frontline and essential workers providing healthcare, food service, childcare, and so much more. They are our families, our neighbors – and they deserve dignity and fairness.

The introduction of this bill gives us all hope that we can, at last, begin to heal the damage these families have endured and move our nation toward a more fair and equitable immigration system.

The time is now. Our work continues."

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Corazón Latino is a national non-profit organization that seeks to generate social, environmental, and conservation initiatives that promote 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.