B Stands for Blueprint

Good afternoon,

This week, 69 Senators voted to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a bill that will fund needed improvements to American roads, railways, bridges and broadband internet access and other ‘hard’ infrastructure needs. We applaud this example of effective bipartisanship.

With this bill off to the House for consideration, the Senate immediately shifted its focus to budget reconciliation, and early Wednesday they took the first big step in the process by passing a budget resolution. There are several immigration-related priorities in the $3.5 trillion budget blueprint, including legislative solutions for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, farmworkers and immigrant essential workers.

However, the inclusion of these immigration provisions in the final budget bill depends on a ruling from the Senate parliamentarian. In the coming weeks, the parliamentarian will assess the budget resolution and determine whether each component is appropriate for the reconciliation process. Provisions that have no effect on the budget – or worsen the deficit – will be struck from the final bill by the parliamentarian. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) remarked, "The parliamentarian of the Senate ultimately has the final decision. But I know that she must read articles, see TV, listen to the radio just like anybody else. And the case that [immigration] reform will have economic impact of significant positive elements is ripe for reconciliation under the budget."

We’ll be watching the budget reconciliation process closely over the next few weeks, hoping the end result includes pathways to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants that strengthen our economy. Otherwise, we will continue to work toward opportunities for bipartisan dialogue and compromise in the future. 

Stay healthy and hopeful, 

Adam

Adam Estle
Vice President of Field and Constituencies
National Immigration Forum 

NEWS CLIPS TO NOTE:

THE WASHINGTON TIMES (Op-Ed): Border numbers renew urgency for immigration reform

ORLANDO SENTINEL (Op-Ed): Rubio, Scott must find immigration solutions for Dreamers

DAILY KOS: Advocates cheer inclusion of pathway to citizenship for millions in Senate budget resolution

NPR: Some Republicans Blame Migrants For COVID-19 Surges. Doctors Say They're Scapegoating

ASSOCIATED PRESS: US is flying Central Americans to Mexico to deter crossings

POLITICO: Guatemala is key to Biden’s migrant policy. Its corruption is worsening.