Menendez Statement on Senate Parliamentarian’s Decision to Block Immigration Proposals in Budget Reconciliation

Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Bob Menendez

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – U.S. Senator Bob Menéndez (D-N.J.), the highest-ranking Latino in Congress, a long-time champion for immigration reform and author of the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, issued the following statement to express his disappointment in the Senate Parliamentarian’s decision to block immigration proposals to be included in the budget reconciliation package:

“Over the last months, I have engaged my Democratic colleagues and the Biden-Harris Administration to build a strong coalition of elected officials, business leaders and entrepreneurs, advocates, immigrant families, and faith leaders to deliver real results for our community. We strategized and prepared solid arguments for the Senate Parliamentarian on the merits of providing a pathway to citizenship through the reconciliation process, and while I disagree with her decision today, I always knew this would be a long process. I and my Democratic colleagues intend to continue working until we get to yes with the Parliamentarian.

“I have spent decades, since my days in the House of Representatives, fighting for inclusive and humane immigration reform that would help bring millions of hard-working undocumented immigrants out of the shadows. Yet, instead of working with us, Republicans have doubled down on their Trumpian tactics and refused to negotiate in good faith to create an immigration system that treats immigrants with the dignity and respect they deserve.

“I still believe this is the year when we can finally accomplish bold, inclusive, and humane immigration reform for millions, and I won’t stop fighting until we do just that. The immigrant community has waited too long and worked too hard for the good of the country, and I won’t take no for an answer. We may have lost one battle but we will keep fighting until our undocumented immigrants receive the chance they deserve to share in the American dream. I will continue to work until their tears of fear become tears of joy.”

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