A Democratic lawmaker has introduced legislation that would create a pathway to permanent residency for undocumented migrants employed in key industries such as agriculture, health care, construction, and emergency services.

New Mexico U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez introduced the Strengthening Our Workforce Act on Tuesday, saying the bill is designed to stabilize the labor force, protect immigrant families, and support small businesses struggling with worker shortages.

Why It Matters

The proposal would grant workers a two-year conditional status if they meet specific requirements, including proof of employment in a covered profession, continuous presence in the United States since January 1, 2024, and at least 100 days of annual work in an eligible sector for two consecutive years. Applicants must also pay a fine and remain in good legal standing. After completing the two years, qualifying workers could apply for lawful permanent residency.

What To Know

The bill is co-sponsored by Democratic Representatives Juan Vargas of California’s, Nydia Velázquez of New York, Illinois’ Delia Ramirez, and Angie Craig, from Minnesota. Supporters say the measure would provide stability for workers and businesses facing labor shortages.

“People who work hard, follow the rules, and play a vital role in our economy should never be forced to live in the shadows or in fear of mass deportation,” Vasquez said in a press release on Tuesday.

“These individuals do right by us—contributing to the fabric of our communities and putting in long hours to keep our families fed, loved ones cared for, and economy running. It’s time we do right by them by offering the dignified pathway to legal status that they deserve and American businesses need. This is about humanity, fairness, and the long-term strength of our economy.”

Immigrant advocacy organizations and business groups also voiced support. Marcela Díaz, executive director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido (We Are a United People), said the measure “offers critical workers a fair pathway to permanent residency.”

Frank Knapp Jr., managing director of the Secure Growth Initiative, a coalition of small businesses, said deportation efforts are worsening labor shortages and hurting local economies.

“The intent of the bill is to end the mass deportation chaos that is hurting small business revenue and local economies across the country,” Knapp Jr. told Newsweek.

What People Are Saying

Representative Juan Vargas said in a statement: “Right now, Trump is implementing an out-of-control, anti-immigrant crackdown. Families are scared of being torn apart. People who have spent decades living and working in this country are afraid to drop their kids off at school, show up to their jobs, and go about their lives. It’s unacceptable.

“As the proud son of Mexican immigrants, I know that immigrants make our country stronger. It’s past time to fix our broken immigration system and create better pathways to citizenship. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation to bring us closer to an immigration system that centers humanity, dignity, and justice.”

Marcela Díaz, Executive Director of Somos Un Pueblo Unido, said in a press release: “Immigrant workers are a key part of New Mexico’s economy, and they deserve recognition for their essential role in keeping our state and country running. For years, progress on immigration reform has been delayed, leaving workers without real solutions. Congressman Vasquez’s Strengthening Our Workforce Act offers critical workers a fair pathway to permanent residency.

Frank Knapp Jr., managing director of the Secure Growth Initiative, a small business coalition, said: “The Strengthening Our Workforce Act adds to the growing bipartisan Congressional momentum to end the mass deportation efforts that are causing labor shortages and loss of consumer spending by the immigrant community, both of which are pushing revenue down for small businesses.”

What Happens Next

If enacted, the Strengthening Our Workforce Act would mark one of the most significant expansions of green card eligibility in recent years, providing a legal pathway to permanent residency for key workers. The bill may face a hurdle to pass in the Republican-controlled Congress.