August 09, 2021

Congressman Castro Commends Inclusion of Citizenship for Essential Workers in Senate Budget Resolution

WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement commending the inclusion of citizenship for essential workers as part of the Senate budget resolution:

“For generations, millions of workers in America have contributed to the U.S. economy from the shadows and their families have made great sacrifices. Essential workers, including undocumented immigrants, were deemed by the Trump administration as part of our nation’s critical infrastructure, and powered our economy during the pandemic.

“I introduced the Citizenship for Essential Workers Act with Senator Alex Padilla, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Congressman Ted Lieu, to honor essential workers who risked their lives to keep our communities safe and our economy going. Now is the best opportunity to finally deliver a pathway to citizenship. This measure will have a major budgetary impact and will grow the economy back better, creating over 200,000 new jobs and increasing economic output by nearly $1 trillion.

“I commend Senate Budget Chairman Bernie Sanders for his committee’s hard work on this critically important budget resolution. This day would also not be possible without the advocacy of thousands of individuals and organizations who mobilized the American people and urged Congress to take action on citizenship legislation. I look forward to the U.S. House of Representatives moving this budget reconciliation process forward.”

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