Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, chair of the New York State Assembly Task Force on New Americans released the following statement today on federal budget proposals that include a pathway towards citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

“For over 30 years, our nation’s immigration laws have been inadequate and failed to take into account both public support for immigration reform and the huge economic benefit of legalizing the status of some 11 million undocumented immigrants.

Today, I would like to express my strongest gratitude to Congressional leaders, especially the US Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer for his work to secure the necessary votes to finally make immigration reform a reality.

The proposal to help some 6 million undocumented immigrants, including current DACA, TPS, temporary workers, and essential workers, legalize their status in the $3.5 trillion infrastructure resolution is a momentous occasion in the history of our nation. The $126 billion targeted in this budget proposal to fund the processing of immigrants for legal status ensures that this reform measure is provided with adequate resources to accomplish its goals. Additionally, I urge our federal leaders to abstain from providing additional funding for border security, and redirect it to ensure even more undocumented people can begin their path to citizenship.

I strongly urge continued support in Congress for this proposal as it moves through relevant committees and possible procedural hurdles.

The Covid-19 Pandemic has shown all Americans the need to work together to conquer our toughest challenges.At this moment in our history, the time to show compassion and approach our problems with common sense solutions should be of paramount importance for all Americans.”