US lawmakers introduce immigration bill creating pathway to citizenship News
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US lawmakers introduce immigration bill creating pathway to citizenship

US lawmakers on Thursday introduced a comprehensive immigration bill creating an eight-year pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented individuals residing in the US.

Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) formally introduced the US Citizenship Act of 2021, which co-sponsored by 11 other Democratic lawmakers. Under the bill, the Secretary of Homeland Security has the authority to change an undocumented individual’s immigration status if they satisfy a number of requirements, including passing a background check, paying taxes and remaining in the US for five years. Subsequent to these conditions being met, they may apply for a green card and potentially obtain citizenship afterward.

The entirety of the process would take eight years to complete. Representative Linda Sánchez (D-CA) introduced the legislation in the House and characterized it as a “vision that provides long-overdue permanent protections, and restores humanity and American values to our immigration system.”

Republican lawmakers criticized Thursday’s proposal, asserting that the measure fails to provide border protection and disrupts the labor market during a pandemic.

The US Citizenship Act of 2021 also seeks to address the root causes of immigration issues. It authorizes the government to support anti-poverty efforts in Central America, including workforce development and entrepreneurship programs.

President Joe Biden signaled support for the bill, contending that “these are not Democratic or Republican priorities—but American ones.”