Biden calls for making way for US citizenship

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Joe Biden on Friday urged bipartisan action to pave the way for US citizenship for some immigrants during a naturalization ceremony at the White House that celebrates the contributions of immigrants. He made America.

“We need an immigration system that reflects our values ​​and upholds our laws at the same time. We can do both,” Biden said.

The president noted that there should be a path to US citizenship for immigrants who came to the country without legal authorization as children, for people of foreign origin who have temporary protected status due to conflicts in their home countries, and those who live abroad. were born in Agricultural workers. Biden, however, did not mention the immigration reform he supports, which includes a broader option for most immigrants who apply for legal residency status and then seek citizenship.

In February, Biden and Democratic lawmakers proposed a major immigration reform that includes an eight-year path to citizenship for the nearly 11 million people living without legal authorization in the country. Republican lawmakers blocked the effort and criticized the government for increasing the number of people trying to cross the border into Mexico without visas.

The immigration debate covers fundamental issues of national security and economic development. Republican lawmakers seeking to limit immigration say it will help keep the country safe and protect the jobs of Native citizens. But many economists – many of them affiliated with Democrats – say increased immigration will spur economic growth, which is currently hindered by declining fertility rates.