Democrats introduced companion bills in the House and Senate on Thursday for a comprehensive overhaul of U.S. immigration law. The bills, backed by President Biden, include an expedited three-year path to citizenship for some undocumented farmworkers.
“This is our moment to finally deliver big, bold, and inclusive immigration reform that our nation and its people deserve,” said California Rep. Linda Sánchez, the lead House sponsor. The lead Senate sponsor, Robert Menendez of New Jersey, said the bill “leaves no one behind, addresses root causes of immigration, and safeguards our country’s national security.”
As Biden proposed on the day he took office, the bill would make green cards available immediately to so-called Dreamers, people who are in the country under “temporary protected status,” and farmworkers who meet specific requirements. The provisions for farmworkers, patterned on a farm labor bill passed by the House in 2019, would grant permanent legal status to undocumented farmworkers who pass criminal and national security background checks, pay “all applicable fees,” and who performed 400 days of agricultural labor in the previous five years. Spouses and children of farmworkers would also be eligible for legal status.
After three years, green card holders who pass additional background checks and demonstrate knowledge of English and U.S. civics could apply for citizenship.
“We are encouraged by this important step toward fulfilling the promises President Biden made on Inauguration Day,” said Teresa Romero, president of the United Farm Workers union.
In a statement, Biden said, “I look forward to working with leaders in the House and Senate to address the wrongdoings of the past administration and restore justice, humanity, and order to our immigration system.”
For more information about the bill, click here.
The text of the House bill is available here.
The text of the Senate bill is available here.