LOS ANGELES -- The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), the largest immigrant rights organization in California, celebrates that on this September 17, 2021, Citizenship Day, the U.S. Congress is getting closer and closer to creating a pathway to citizenship for millions of Americans-in-waiting who have dreamed of this opportunity, some of them for longer than three decades. September 17 is also Constitution Day and under our Constitution, "we the people" includes all regardless of immigration status.
Please attribute the following statements to Angelica Salas, CHIRLA executive director:
"On Citizenship Day, we value and honor the privileges this distinction carries. For immigrants who have long been an integral thread of the fabric of this nation, becoming a U.S. citizen means, among many things, the right and responsibility to vote while offering the safeguard of protection from deportation.
"This is why today we applaud the initiative of community members such as Andrea and Ana, who sought CHIRLA's help to become U.S. citizens. Just two weeks ago, after more than nine months of waiting and in the midst of a devastating pandemic, they took the oath. Their dream to seek better job opportunities and vote in the coming elections is now a reality.
"In the meantime, Congress has a golden once in a lifetime opportunity to open a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants who have been living and contributing to this country. According to the Department of Labor, granting legal status raises workers' wages by allowing them to get jobs that better match their skills in the short run, and lets them pursue more preparation and education in the long run to increase their contribution. This truly is a tide that lifts all boats and can turn this national holiday of September 17 into a year-long, overdue celebration.
"We know the country is with us in asking for a path to citizenship for 10.5 million undocumented immigrants:
voters support citizenship (by 70 percent or more!), the White House supports citizenship,
economists support citizenship (57 of them!).
Both the GDP and individual workers benefit from legalization: the former would grow by $1.7 trillion over 10 years, and the latter would see their annual wages grow by $600.
"On Citizenship Day, we encourage all legal permanent residents who qualify to take advantage by applying to become U.S. citizens now. Immigrants enrich this country in many ways, but their economic contribution is particularly visible and, in fact, undeniable, when accompanied by citizenship. Let's celebrate each and every one of those who become U.S. citizens today, and let's make sure this country extends happiness to millions more, by protecting a path to citizenship in the budget reconciliation process."
