Lansing – Essential workers, many of whom are our immigrant family members and neighbors, are among the millions of Americans that have come together to help get us through the pandemic. And yet, many immigrant workers have been unjustly excluded from full citizenship in the United States.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, DACA recipients, TPS and DED holders, and undocumented farmworkers have toiled and risked their lives to provide essential care and services at the frontlines of the pandemic while continuing to face endless threats of deportation and separation from their families,” stated Rev. Mark Stephenson, Interim Director, Office of Social Justice for the Christian Reformed Church in North America in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “These immigrant sisters and brothers are a blessing to this country and their inherent dignity demands stability and relief to pursue their God-given dreams and futures. As a faith leader, I urge our legislators to do justice and create a pathway to citizenship for these heroes.”
Both Congress and the American people want solutions. Congress has made many legislative attempts at creating a path to citizenship. In March, bills that allow farmworkers and people with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to apply for permanent legal status cleared the House on a bipartisan basis. New polling from NPR/Ipsos, Global Strategy Group, ALG Research, Public Opinion Strategies (GOP) poll, and Data For Progress all show that a range of 66% to 75% of those polled desire a path to citizenship. In spite of this overwhelming support, a permanent solution has yet to be signed into law.
As people of faith, we believe in the inherent dignity of every human being, worthy of justice and inclusion. We believe that our federal government must legislate in ways that promote full human flourishing, as creating a path to citizenship would do. The next step is for the Senate to take bold action. The people of Michigan are calling on Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters to ensure that a path to citizenship for our immigrant family members, neighbors, and friends becomes law this year.
Residents of Michigan, including communities of faith, want Congress to pass a path to citizenship. 915 individuals and 195 faith-based organizations sent a letter to Congress calling for a path to citizenship by any means necessary, including 23 faith leaders and three faith-based organizations in Michigan. Supporters also include local policymakers: in a recent letter, four Michigan mayors urged Congress to pass a path to citizenship for DACA recipients and “Dreamers.” Polling from Data For Progress found that 67% of Michiganders polled were in support of legislation that would create a path to citizenship for essential workers and other undocumented immigrants. There are approximately 50,000 undocumented immigrant essential workers in Michigan in need of a path to citizenship.
“Congress and the Biden administration must seize this opportunity and finally move things forward on immigration,” said Elissa Diaz, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Church World Service and Co-Chair of the Interfaith Immigration Coalition (IIC). “A path to citizenship has broad support across the country, including among people of faith. It would transform the lives of so many children and families, including those who are members of our congregations, places of worship, and communities. Our leadership in Washington must do everything possible, and use every legislative means at their disposal, to pass it this year.”
The Interfaith Immigration Coalition is made up of over 55 national, faith-based organizations brought together across many theological traditions with a common call to seek just policies that lift up the God-given dignity of every individual. In partnership, we work to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all refugees and migrants.
Follow us on Twitter @interfaithimm
###