Remarks by Vice President Harris on New Actions to Keep Families Together | The White HouseSkip to contentThe White HouseThe White House The White House Home AdministrationPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomEspañol InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement MenuCloseTo search this site, enter a search termSearchMobile Menu OverlayAdministrationShow submenu for “Administration””President Joe BidenVice President Kamala HarrisFirst Lady Dr. Jill BidenSecond Gentleman Douglas EmhoffThe CabinetExecutive OfficesShow submenu for “Executive Offices””Council of Economic AdvisersCouncil on Environmental QualityDomestic Policy CouncilGender Policy CouncilNational Economic CouncilNational Security CouncilNational Space CouncilOffice of Intergovernmental AffairsOffice of Management and BudgetOffice of the National Cyber DirectorOffice of National Drug Control PolicyOffice of Public EngagementOffice of Science and Technology PolicyOffice of the United States Trade RepresentativeClimate Policy OfficePresidential Personnel OfficePrioritiesBriefing RoomThe White HouseShow submenu for “The White House””PresidentsFirst FamiliesThe GroundsOur GovernmentGet InvolvedShow submenu for “Get Involved””Write or Call The White HouseJoin UsWhite House FellowsWhite House Internship ProgramThe RecordDisclosuresEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 To search this site, enter a search termSearchJune 18, 2024 Remarks by Vice President Harris on New Actions to Keep Families Together Home Briefing Room Speeches and Remarks Joint Base AndrewsPrince George’s County, MarylandTHE VICE PRESIDENT: The President made a very important announcement today about immigration. And it is important to put it in context. From day one, when we first came in office, our first bill was to offer a meaningful way to fix our immigration system, including a pathway to citizenship, keeping families together, and looking out for our DREAMers. And, of course, it was not taken up. Then, of course, we know that there was bipartisan work that happened, including involving some of the most conservative members of the United States Senate. A deal was reached, and they got a call from Donald Trump, who said, “Don’t put it for a vote.” Because Donald Trump would prefer to run on a problem instead of fixing a problem.So, the President has had to take it in his own hands to do what he can and what we can through executive order. And today, that included ensuring that we can keep families together — in particular, around spouses who are undocumented — the spouses of American citizens who have been here at least 10 years, giving them a pathway to gain citizenship and allowing them to go through the process here in the United States.It’s also been about what we need to do look out for DREAMers — in particular, those who have graduated college and are working in a way that is very productive and helpful to all of society. So, this is good policy. And ultimately, we do need Congress to act and to do what we know is necessary to fully put the resources into the border and creating a meaningful pathway to citizenship. Thank you.END Next Post: Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Willie Mays Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Willie Mays June 19, 2024 •Statements and Releases Next Post Stay ConnectedSign UpEmail Address* RequiredZIP CodePlease leave blank.We'll be in touch with the latest information on how President Biden and his administration are working for the American people, as well as ways you can get involved and help our country build back better. Opt in to send and receive text messages from President Biden. ShareShare this page on FacebookShare this page on Xhttps://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/06/18/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-on-new-actions-to-keep-families-together/?utm_source=link HomeThe AdministrationExecutive OfficesPrioritiesThe RecordBriefing RoomThe White HouseDisclosuresGet InvolvedEspañol Contact UsPrivacy PolicyCopyright PolicyAccessibility Statement InstagramOpens in a new windowFacebookOpens in a new windowXOpens in a new windowYouTubeOpens in a new window The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500 WH.gov Scroll to Top Scroll to Top Top