Washington, D.C.– The National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) – the leading national organization working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and caregivers – commends the Senate for passing legislation to overhaul the nation’s immigration system. With a successful 68-32 vote, the bill is headed to its next phase, and NHCOA is pleased that the bill includes a path to citizenship, which will help millions of people. The overhaul of the immigration system is the first of its kind in the U.S. since 1986.

As the debate continues to move through Congress, this landmark advancement by the Senate speaks to all immigrants waiting for citizenship. A path to citizenship will increase economic growth, reduce the deficit, promotes prosperity, and has the potential to create jobs. It has these positive effects because it allows millions of new citizens to share the best of themselves with the U.S. while they work to reach the American Dream. The entire Senate immigration bill is not perfect, but the path to citizenship is a tremendous first step.

“On behalf of NHCOA, I would like to thank the Senate for passing a path to citizenship. Although there still needs to be approval by the House of Representatives and President Obama, NHCOA is hopeful that a fair decision will be made, one that promotes prosperity for older adults, their families and communities,” said Dr. Yanira Cruz, President and CEO of NHCOA. 

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