Kamala Harris emphasized the significance of the U.S. Citizenship Act, a legislative proposal in the House aimed at providing a pathway for undocumented immigrants who were deported by former President Trump to seek legal status. According to a press release from the White House, the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 aims to create “an earned roadmap to citizenship for undocumented individuals.”
Individuals seeking temporary legal status must have been physically present in the United States on or before January 1, 2021. However, there is a notable exception to this requirement. The bill stipulates that undocumented immigrants who were deported by the Trump administration would qualify for temporary status, even if they are not currently in the United States.
“With respect to a noncitizen who was removed from or who departed the United States on or after January 20, 2017, and who was continuously physically present in the United States for not fewer than 3 years immediately preceding the date on which the noncitizen was removed or departed, the Secretary may waive, for humanitarian purposes, to ensure family unity, or if such a waiver is otherwise in the public interest,” the bill reads.
Kamala Harris advocated for the bill throughout her time as Vice President. It is also referenced in the Democratic Party’s platform for 2024. In June 2021, Harris expressed her gratitude to Democratic Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey for his leadership on the U.S. Citizenship Act. Furthermore, during her acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention, she emphasized her commitment to establishing a pathway to citizenship for immigrants.
“The U.S. Citizenship Act would permanently increase family-sponsored and employment-based immigration,” the party platform reads.
WATCH: Kamala Harris vows to create a “pathway to citizenship” for illegal aliens. pic.twitter.com/ScouXgXiBD
— Conservative War Machine (@WarMachineRR) August 23, 2024
