Path to citizenship
In the United States, a path (or pathway) to citizenship is proposed immigration reform providing a process whereby illegal immigrants can become citizens.[1]
Obama administration
During his 2008 presidential campaign, Barack Obama promised to support a path to citizenship for illegal 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 illegal 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]
Polling conducted in June 2024 found that 56% of Joe Biden supporters and 15% of Trump supporters supported a pathway to citizenship.[9]
See also
References
- ^ "Should Undocumented Immigrants Get a 'Path to Citizenship'?". The New York Times Upfront. 2016-01-11.
- ^ Sherman, Amy (11 January 2016). "Provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants". The Obameter. Politifact. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
- ^ Nakamura, David (16 July 2013). "Obama pushes for path to citizenship in immigration bill". The Washington Post. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
- ^ Kim, Seung Min (27 June 2013). "Senate passes immigration bill". Politico. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
- ^ Jones, Jeffrey M. (12 August 2015). "In U.S., 65% Favor Path to Citizenship for Illegal Immigrants". Gallup. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
- ^ Kellman, Laurie (17 December 2015). "Poll says most Americans favor a path to citizenship". PBS Newshour. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
- ^ Bernal, Rafael (29 March 2016). "Poll: Majority of Republicans support path to citizenship". The Hill. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
- ^ Cockerham, Sean (28 February 2017). "Even most Trump backers want a path to citizenship for immigrants here illegally".
- ^ Nadeem, Reem (2024-06-06). "2. Immigration attitudes and the 2024 election". Pew Research Center. Retrieved 2024-07-22.