On January 20, 2021, President Biden announced the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, and Sen. Bob Mendez (D-NJ) and Rep. Linda Sánchez (D-CA) introduced related bills in the Senate and House, respectively, on February 18, 2021. If enacted, the Act would provide Lawful Prospective Immigrant (LPI) status to approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants, including “essential” workers, such as direct care workers—among other measures. This fact sheet explains why the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 matters to immigrant direct care workers and long-term care.
Key Takeaways
Immigrants are an essential though undervalued part of the direct care workforce and long-term care landscape.
The lack of support for immigrants compounds the direct care workforce shortage.
Congress should pass the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 and advance other policies that stabilize the direct care workforce.
