We must protect the immigrants who deserve to be here. Those who have lived here for years, who are raising families with American citizens. Those who have spent tens-of-thousands of dollars applying for citizenship over and over, just to be denied every time, for no other reason than “No.” They hold careers, pay taxes, and contribute to the economy. They live in our communities, enrich our neighborhoods and embody the American spirit. This is the reality of an estimated 4 million immigrants living in the U.S. without legal status, despite being integral parts of our community, our cultural, and our economic fabric.

We call upon U.S. lawmakers to create a comprehensive program that will allow these law-abiding immigrants to earn U.S. citizenship. President Trump campaigned that he wished to see a similar program be put in place, and former President Obama proposed foundations for a similar program in 2007 (S.1348 - A bill to provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes. 110th Congress).

Here's how it could work:

An immediate pause would be put on deportations of immigrants who have committed no local misdemeanor or felony crimes (including immigrants with active, civil ICE warrants). Immigrants meeting those standards would sign up for the program before 12/31/2025. The program would cost $5,000 for immigrants 18 years of age or older, and $1,000 for immigrants under 18. The program would require Immigrants 18 and older to complete 60 college credits or achieve an associates degree (from any college). Immigrants under 18 would be required to be enrolled in public or private school, and also be required to complete 50 hours of community service. Immigrants 18 and older would be required to show  a current employment paystub upon the program’s completion. Also upon the program’s completion, immigrants 14 and older will be required to complete the U.S Citizenship test, with 1 re-take held 1 month later. The program would conclude on 12/31/2028. Any immigrants who fail to meet these standards will be again eligible for deportation. 

This straight-forward program is designed to retain immigrants who deserve to be here. It will help American families with mixed households. It will generate revenue for the United States and it will weed out immigrants who show no interest in adapting to American society. 

The proposed program, costing $5,000 to be paid to the U.S. Government, aims to not only provide a path to citizenship, but also generate revenue for the country. The participants in this program would be protected from deportation, offering them the stability and security to continue making important contributions to our society. The program’s implementation would be immediate. The program’s sign up date would be concluded on 12/31/2025 and the program would conclude on 12/31/2028. 

Research shows the contributions of immigrants are significant. According to data from the Center for Migration Studies, about 1.3 million people who entered the U.S. illegally between 2010 and 2017 have at least some college education, while 67% are employed. These individuals are already contributing to and enriching our great nation, and they deserve a chance to become U.S. citizens.
If these immigrants are sent back to lands where they have no homes, jobs, or support systems to return to, they will lose all hope of returning to America and be forced to a life likely full of poverty and suffering. 

We urge our fellow Americans and lawmakers to sign and advocate for this visionary program. This humanitarian approach is a win-win. Let's stand up for those who are already standing with us. Sign this petition to show your support for this inclusive approach.