Democrats’ hopes to clear a pathway to citizenship for millions of immigrants has been dealt a serious blow.
A key component of the Biden agenda is a massive $3.5 trillion federal spending bill.
Originally developed as an investment in domestic infrastructure, the bill has expanded to include climate change mitigation, foreign policy and — until Sept. 19 — immigration policy.
On Sept. 19, the Senate parliamentarian advised the Senate that a provision in the bill aimed at establishing citizenship for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, also known as DACA, cannot be included in the reconciliation package. Simply put — procedure won’t allow it.
This news has been met with disappointment by "DREAMers" and immigration advocates. This was the clearest path Democrats have had in years to achieve this long-sought goal.
Reyna Montoya is the founder and CEO of Aliento, a Phoenix-based nonprofit that advocates for the rights of undocumented residents. She calls the decision “heartbreaking,” and The Show spoke with her to learn more about her reaction and the move's significance.
