Costa Praises President Biden's Immigration Plan, Will Seek Additional Ag Worker Provisions

Press Release

Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after President Biden announced an overview for his immigration plan:

"The President's proposal is welcome news and a monumental step to finally provide millions of Dreamers and other undocumented immigrants an overdue path to citizenship. The bill also strengthens our borders and adapts our immigration policy to address today's demands. I look forward to working with the Administration to also address vital reforms needed to ensure legal protections for agricultural workers going forward."

The U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 makes meaningful reforms to modernize our immigration system by:

Providing pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants and strengthening labor protections
Allows individuals to apply for temporary legal status and the ability to apply for green cards after five years
Permits Dreamers, TPS holders, and immigrant farmworkers to apply for green cards immediately
Reforms family-based immigration system, clearing backlogs and eliminating long wait times
Prohibits discrimination based on religion as included in the NO BAN Act
Provides funding to state and local governments and other organizations to promote immigrant integration and inclusion
Stimulates our economy by clearing employment-based visa backlogs and barriers
Protects workers from exploitation and improves employment verification process, including protections for migrant and seasonal workers
Prioritizes implementation of smart border controls:
Supplements existing border resources with technology and infrastructure to enhance our ability to prevent narcotics and other contraband from entering the country
Promotes better management of our border and enhances protections for our border communities
Cracks down on criminal organizations through increased investigation and enhanced prosecution of individuals involved in smuggling and trafficking networks
Addresses the root causes of migration through increased funding and engagement to reduce endemic corruption, violence and poverty that causes people to flee their homes
Funds the President's $4 billion interagency plan to address underlying causes of migration and increase assistance to countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras
Creates safe legal channels for people to seek protection
Improves immigration courts and protects vulnerable individuals by increasing legal orientation programs, family case management programs, and reducing court backlogs
Supports asylum seekers and other vulnerable populations by eliminating asylum claim deadlines and raising visa caps

Source