Friday, April 19, 2024

Democrats Fight to Include Immigration in ‘Build Back Better’ Bill

Democrats continue to fight to secure protections for undocumented immigrants. Their latest attempt is to include immigration in the “Build Back Better” economic bill, which would expand the U.S. social safety net.

Some Democrats have stated that they would not support the economic bill unless immigration is included. House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi can only afford to lose three votes in the House for the bill to pass.

Democrats are preparing to pitch “Plan C,” which is their third attempt to include immigration in the bill that would provide work permits and protections for undocumented immigrants.

Democrats plan to pass the $1.75 trillion economic bill using a process called budget reconciliation. This will require all 50 Democratic Senators to vote yes on the bill. Using this process, the Senate parliamentarian would be the final sign off for what will be included in the bill.

The House version of the bill allows undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. prior to January 2011 and meet a certain set of criteria to get temporary protection from deportation and work permits. An estimated 7 million people could be eligible for relief; however, the bill does not provide a pathway to citizenship.

CNN