In a blow to Democrats, President Biden, and immigration advocates, Senate parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough ruled on September 19, 2021, that immigration language cannot be included in the $3.5 trillion filibuster-proof budget reconciliation bill. She said, "The policy changes of this proposal far outweigh the budgetary impact."
The rejected language would have allowed eligible persons to pay a fee to be exempted from numerical limits when adjusting status to permanent residence, among other provisions. The immigration provisions are expected to have a dim chance of passing separately in the Senate.
Details:
- Senate Parliamentarian Says $3.5 Trillion Bill Can't Include Citizenship Path for Immigrants," Associated Press, Sept. 19, 2021, https://on.mktw.net/3hOsawG
- "Senate Parliamentarian Rejects Democrats' Immigration Bid," Roll Call, Sept. 19, 2021, https://www.rollcall.com/2021/09/19/senate-parliamentarian-rejects-democrats-immigration-bid/
- MacDonough decision, Politico, Sept. 19, 2021, https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000017c-009c-d47e-ab7e-9cbc658a0000
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