Path to citizenship

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In the United States, a path (or pathway) to citizenship is proposed immigration reform providing a process whereby illegal immigrants can become citizens. [1]

Contents

Obama administration

During his 2008 presidential campaign, Barack Obama promised to support a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, whereby such immigrants, if they were in good standing, could pay a fine in return for gaining the opportunity to become citizens. [2] In 2013, Obama called on Congress to include a path to citizenship in any immigration reform bill it passed. [3] The Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013, passed by the United States Senate on June 27, 2013, would create a 13-year path to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants, a path that would require them to pass several security checks before they can get a green card. [4]

Public opinion

Multiple polls conducted during Obama's presidency have found that a large majority of Americans support a path to citizenship, but with stronger support among Democrats than among Republicans. [5] [6] [7] A poll conducted in February 2017 found that 87% of Democrats and 69% of Republicans supported a path to citizenship, as did 72% of President Donald Trump's supporters. [8]

See also

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References

  1. "Should Undocumented Immigrants Get a 'Path to Citizenship'?". The New York Times Upfront . 2016-01-11.
  2. Sherman, Amy (11 January 2016). "Provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants". The Obameter. Politifact . Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  3. Nakamura, David (16 July 2013). "Obama pushes for path to citizenship in immigration bill". The Washington Post . Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  4. Kim, Seung Min (27 June 2013). "Senate passes immigration bill". Politico . Retrieved 20 October 2016.
  5. Jones, Jeffrey M. (12 August 2015). "In U.S., 65% Favor Path to Citizenship for Illegal Immigrants". Gallup . Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  6. Kellman, Laurie (17 December 2015). "Poll says most Americans favor a path to citizenship". PBS Newshour . Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  7. Bernal, Rafael (29 March 2016). "Poll: Majority of Republicans support path to citizenship". The Hill . Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  8. Cockerham, Sean (28 February 2017). "Even most Trump backers want a path to citizenship for immigrants here illegally".