Quick Bytes
- US Representative Pramila Jayapal and other lawmakers advocate for protections for long-term undocumented immigrants.
- They urge President Biden to expand TPS and streamline lawful status pathways for undocumented residents.
- Lawmakers highlight the contributions of immigrants and the need for humane immigration policies.
Summary
Indian American US Representative Pramila Jayapal, alongside a group of Democratic senators and advocates, has called on President Joe Biden to implement measures that would protect long-term undocumented immigrants in the United States. The coalition is pushing for the expansion of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and the creation of more accessible legal pathways for undocumented spouses of US citizens, family caregivers, and other long-standing community members.
Jayapal, an immigrant herself and one of the few naturalized citizens in Congress, emphasizes the positive impact of immigrants on American society and the economy. She criticizes strict enforcement policies that lead to family separations and advocates for legal reforms that could enhance the lives of American families.
The group of lawmakers, which includes senators Alex Padilla, Dick Durbin, Cory Booker, Catherine Cortez Masto, Ben Ray Luján, and Edward J. Markey, has previously made recommendations to the administration for immigration relief. They are joined by advocates from organizations such as FWD.us, American Families United, UnidosUS, and CASA.
Last month, President Biden indicated that the White House is considering granting temporary legal status and work permits to undocumented immigrants married to American citizens, signaling potential policy changes ahead.
