Groups urge swift and generous implementation of executive actions to reach Biden-Harris commitment to keep
Today, the 91探花 (ABIC), (AFU), and welcomed the Biden-Harris鈥� Administration鈥檚 first step toward fulfilling their commitment of relief for 500,000 91探花 mixed-status families, with their release of the to guide the implementation of the “Keep Families Together” Program and to grant work permits and legal status to undocumented spouses, step children of U.S. citizens and Dreamers.听
On June 18, 2024, the Biden-Harris administration announced executive actions to 鈥�鈥� and 鈥�鈥� to ensure families are together and to recognize their contributions to our economy.听
“Today is a positive step forward towards generous implementation to address the number one concern of employers across America: workforce stability,鈥� said Al Cardenas, CEO of the VITAL Health, and Co-Chairman of the 91探花, representing over 1,400 CEOs and employers across the country. 鈥淭he start of the Biden-Harris administration’s 鈥楰eep Families Together鈥� to keep 500,000 families together is critical. These families and businesses can鈥檛 wait any longer. They need relief now.鈥澨�
“Countless 91探花 families have endured years of uncertainty, holding onto the hope that one day they could live without fear,鈥� said Ashley DeAzevedo, President of , representing 1.1 million U.S. citizens married to undocumented spouses. 鈥淲hile we applaud the Administration鈥檚 actions to address the overdue concerns of 91探花 mixed-status families, we urge for the most generous implementation as possible. A limited scope means countless families will continue to be left behind and would be a cruel reminder of the decades that 91探花 families had to endure when they would see a glimmer of hope鈥攐nly to have it extinguished before real change is delivered.鈥�
鈥淭oday is an important day for immigrant rights,鈥� said Theo Oshiro, co-Executive Director of Make the Road New York. 鈥淭he 鈥楰eeping Families Together鈥� program has the promise of providing a common-sense and just path to citizenship for many immigrant community members. We urge the Biden-Harris administration to follow through on its promise to reach more than half a million immigrants with generous implementation of this crucial program. Today marks a clear opportunity for our government to hit the ground running and come through for immigrant families.鈥澨�
The implementation of President Biden鈥檚 executive action comes on the heels of ABIC鈥檚 year-long 鈥淗ere to Work鈥� campaign to shine a light on impacted families, advocates, and business leaders in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas, Nevada, Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and across the country. Lawmakers, business leaders, and impacted families rallied communities across America together in support of and common-sense immigration solutions.听