Comprehensive immigration reform has plagued Congress for four decades. Meanwhile, millions of undocumented immigrants work hard -- many of whom are essential workers and pulled us through the worst of the pandemic last year -- while living in fear of deportation.

There is strong public support for immigration reform. The time to act is now.

As Congress moves forward on a human infrastructure bill, it must include a pathway to citizenship.

Senate Budget chair Bernie Sanders is pushing to include about $150 billion in the human infrastructure bill to go toward immigration policies, including the pathway to citizenship and some border security. This is a crucial step in the right direction.

There is strong legal precedent to include this in budget reconciliation, as a 2005 immigration reform package to distribute more green cards was allowed to go through.

This is the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of millions of people. Congress must get on board to support including a pathway to citizenship in the bill.