Rep. Jim Costa issued the following statement after the Senate parliamentarian’s decision late Thursday to reject immigration reform included in the Build Back Better Act. The reform measures would have provided temporary protections and work permits for 7 million undocumented individuals, including Dreamers, Temporary Protection Status (TPS) holders, essential workers, and 1 million farmworkers.
“I am extremely disappointed with this decision by the Senate parliamentarian to remove critical immigration reform from the Build Back Better Act,” Costa said. “Immigrants play a vital role in our economy as essential workers, many in the San Joaquin Valley working tirelessly on the farms that feed our nation. I remain committed in fighting for the rights of those who came to our country to seek a better life for themselves and their families. For we should remember, America historically has been a nation of immigrants past and present, a beacon of light around the world.”
As a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Costa supported multiple pieces of legislation earlier this year that passed the House, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and farmworkers.
