For nearly six months, immigrant rights advocates have worked overtime organizing, protesting, and proposing improved language for the Build Back Better Act petitioning for a pathway to citizenship via green cards for millions of undocumented people. We know the House may vote on the bill as soon as tonight.

We are now at a crossroads of potentially approving a bill that could fall short of what our communities need. If Build Back Better passes without permanent protections for immigrants, it will leave our communities in perpetual uncertainty.

Right now, the House bill includes parole. Parole means work permits and protection from deportation until 2031 and no more than that. Parole is temporary and there is no guarantee that a future Congress will extend the parole term. We at UndocuBlack are clear: PAROLE IS NOT PERMANENT PROTECTION. Parole is NOT A NEW PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP. We need green cards and a new pathway to citizenship to allow our immigrant communities the opportunity to put down roots and live our fullest lives in this country.