Statement from Vice President Kamala Harris on New Actions to Keep Families Together

Immigrants have always made America stronger. For generations, they have served in our military, taught in our classrooms, and led our small businesses as entrepreneurs. They are our neighbors, classmates, and loved ones. And their experiences, ambition, and aspirations power our communities, economy, and country each day.
 
That is why from Day One of our administration, President Joe Biden and I have worked to protect immigrants, keep families together, and expand lawful pathways to citizenship. Working with advocates and organizers from across the nation, we have rejected hateful attacks on immigrants, preserved and fortified DACA, increased access to affordable health care, and expanded economic opportunity.
 
Today, we are building on that work by taking bold action to bring relief to an estimated half a million spouses of American citizens who have been here in the country for a decade or more and their children. They deserve our protection, and should be allowed to remain with their families and contribute to our communities while they apply for a green card.
 
President Biden and I are also expediting work visas for Dreamers who have graduated from college in the United States and have a job offer from a U.S. employer. We value their contributions and want them to continue to unleash their skills, ideas, and potential right here in the country that has invested in their success, to the benefit of our economy and our communities.
 
While today’s actions are a significant step forward, there is more work to be done to fix our broken immigration system. That includes the need for a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. President Biden and I continue to call on the United States Congress to join us in acting by passing permanent protections for Dreamers.

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