On Wednesday, April 26th, President Biden addressed a joint session of Congress for the first time, marking the first 100 days in office. He listed his achievements, such as his administration’s Covid Vaccination Program. He also talked about many of his goals for the future of our country, including immigration!
Below is an excerpt from President Biden’s speech that deals with Immigration:
“Immigration has always been essential to America. Let’s end our exhausting war over immigration.
For more than 30 years, politicians have talked about immigration reform and done nothing about it. It’s time to fix it.
On day one of my Presidency, I kept my commitment and I sent a comprehensive immigration bill to Congress. If you believe we need a secure border – pass it. If you believe in a pathway to citizenship – pass it. If you actually want to solve the problem – I have sent you a bill, now pass it.
We also have to get at the root of the problem of why people are fleeing to our southern border from Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador. The violence. The corruption. The gangs. The political instability. Hunger. Hurricanes. Earthquakes.
When I was Vice President, I focused on providing the help needed to address these root causes of migration. It helped keep people in their own countries instead of being forced to leave. Our plan worked. But the last administration shut it down.
I’m restoring the program and asked Vice President Harris to lead our diplomatic efforts. I have absolute confidence she will get the job done.
Now, if Congress won’t pass my plan – let’s at least pass what we agree on. Congress needs to pass legislation this year to finally secure protection for the Dreamers – the young people who have only known America as their home.
And, permanent protections for immigrants on temporary protected status who come from countries beset by man—made and natural made violence and disaster. As well as a pathway to citizenship for farmworkers who put food on our tables.
Immigrants have done so much for America during the pandemic – as they have throughout our history. The country supports immigration reform. Congress should act. And if we are to truly restore the soul of America – we need to protect the sacred right to vote.”
Read the full transcript from President Joe Biden’s address to a joint session of Congress
Source of Information:
USA Today, 4/28/21, News Article:
Read the full transcript from President Joe Biden’s address to a joint session of Congress