Immigrants Across Nation Express Urgent Need for Path to Citizenship Ahead of President Biden’s State of the Union Address

New York (March 1, 2022) — Tonight, President Joe Biden is slated to deliver his State of the Union address, a speech coming just under a year since his last remarks before a joint session of Congress. In advance of that speech, immigrants from across the country expressed the urgent need for the President to articulate a clear commitment and plan to pass a path to citizenship for millions across the nation.

 

Oscar Lopez, member of Make the Road Pennsylvania (MRPA), issued the following statement:

 

“In addition to fighting for a path to citizenship, the Biden Administration has the power to provide relief to millions of people through executive action, and we urge President Biden to act now. My family and our communities cannot wait any longer.”

 

Dolores Juarez, member of Make the Road New York, and Staten Island resident, issued the following statement:

 

 “Tonight, with my daughters by my side and along with millions of undocumented people across the country, we’re going to turn on our TVs in hopes President Biden does more than reiterate his promise on immigration—he must lay out his plan to finally pass a pathway to citizenship this year. I’ve lived in the United States for over 20 years, working to be able to provide a better life for my daughters. I have slept in front of Senator Schumer’s house, marched across bridges, and rallied in Washington DC because we cannot continue to clinch on to empty promises. We are holding President Biden and Congress Democratic leaders accountable in delivering a clear plan to advance the Build Back Better package with a pathway to citizenship.”

 

Areli Sanchez, member leader of Make the Road Nevada (MRNV), issued the following statement:

 

"I am expecting the President of the United States to include in his State of the Union speech his commitment to deliver on his promise to a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants like myself. I urge the President to turn his promises into action and provide my family with permanent protections, so families like mine can finally live a life with dignity and security."

 

Imelda Barajas, member of Make the Road Connecticut (MRCT), issued the following statement:

 

“Our communities are restless. For years, this country has relied on the thousands of DACA, and TPS holders, farmworkers, and other essential workers to keep afloat. We have risked our lives for our neighbors and communities, feeding their families and caring for them. President Biden and Senate Democrats have a moral duty, and the power to pass citizenship and protect immigrants.”

 

Mariana Velasquez, member leader of Make the Road New Jersey (MRNJ), issued the following statement:

 

“Now more than ever, our communities deserve to live a life without fear of deportation and family separation. So far, the President's treatment towards migrants who are trying to enter the US seeking safety, and those already living in the country for whom he has yet to provide a path to citizenship, has been disappointing. I hope tonight he proves us wrong and presents a clear plan to pass a Build Back Better package that would give much-needed relief to working families, and the immigrant community, across the country.”

 

###

 

Make the Road is an organization with tens of thousands of members across Connecticut, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.