The Senate Parliamentarian’s ruled against a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented youth, TPS Holders, essential workers, and farm workers. This decision comes after months of negotiations and votes on the initial budget resolution in Congress.

Monica Sarmiento, Executive Director of the Virginia Coalition for Immigrant Rights said:

“Although we are disappointed with this first ruling, we are prepared with other proposals to make sure immigrant families get justice. The Senate Parliamentarian’s ruling does not mean we will take a step back when immigration has always been good for our economy.

Our fight is far from over. The United States depends on the immigrant workforce for economic recovery. We are confident that our next steps will help get immigrant families the protections and dignity they deserve.”

Background: 

In August, the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate approved the $3.5 trillion budget resolution which included $107 billion in order to create a legal pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth, TPS Holders, essential workers, and farm workers. 

Support of a legal pathway has been supported by many of Virginia’s elected officials. Governor Ralph Northam sent a letter to the White House in support of the inclusion of immigrant essential workers, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders in the second economic recovery bill. Mayor Stoney of Richmond joined 40+ mayors to send a letter to Congressional leadership and the White House. Both Senator Kaine and Warner voted on the infrastructure plan earlier this month.