Unelected Parliamentarian Shouldn’t Get Final Say on Path to Citizenship, Dems Must Keep Fighting

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the Senate parliamentarian, again, ruled against a pathway to citizenship after Democrats put forward another proposal to protect Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers and essential workers in their Build Back Better reconciliation package.

Following the ruling, Voto Latino President and CEO María Teresa Kumar, issued the following statement:

“Point blank: The Senate parliamentarian, an unelected staff attorney, should not be deciding whether or not a pathway to citizenship can be included in Democrats’ Build Back Better reconciliation package. It is unconscionable that legislation seeking to permanently protect our Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status holders and undocumented essential workers, is so close to being signed into law, only for it to be thwarted at the last moment by an antiquated Congressional role, unbeholden to voters. 

“Americans overwhelmingly support a path to citizenship for those families, children, and individuals, who make up their communities, and are their neighbors, co-workers, and friends. We won’t settle for broken promises and excuses of ‘we tried’ this time around. Now is the opportunity to pass this legislation, permanently protecting those who constantly live in fear of having their lives upended. 

“Democrats must keep working until ‘Plan Z,’ if that’s what it takes. We remain optimistic they will find the solution that works, but we will be closely watching to make certain that protections for millions of immigrants are pushed across the finish line. Promises have been made by our elected leaders, and we are confident they will follow through on them with a newly constructed plan for the parliamentarian. Failure is not an option.”

If you’d be interested in speaking with María Teresa further about the Senate parliamentarian ruling, we’d be happy to arrange an interview.

# # #

Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.