Congressman García’s Statement on the President’s 2024 State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON, DC —Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement after President Biden’s State of the Union address: 

“Tonight, President Biden delivered a strong message to our country. He touted his accomplishments, many of which Progressives successfully advocated for, and made clear how working people will benefit. From canceling student debt for nearly 4 million Americans, to capping the price of insulin and lowering prescription drug costs for millions more, and passing legislation that is bringing $35 billion in renewable energy and infrastructure investments to Illinois alone, I’m proud to have helped secure these wins. 

“I was also glad to hear President Biden articulate his continued commitment to building an economy from the bottom up. I will keep urging his administration to take aggressive action to combat corporate greed and drive down the cost of housing, child care, and everyday goods.

“As a proud immigrant, I was beyond disappointed to hear the President use the word “illegal” in his speech. Beyond this, the President missed an opportunity to unite our country on immigration. He did not lay out a plan that addresses the root causes of what brings people to our border or ensures immigrants are treated with dignity and respect in our communities. We cannot double down on failed policies that restrict legal immigration pathways and militarize our border. Republicans will never be satisfied with this rightward march on immigration, and that should not be our goal. They have no interest in serious reform. 

“However, I am glad the President mentioned the need to keep families together and create a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and others, and I hope he works to provide stability for the 11 million immigrants in our communities who have been waiting decades for a pathway to citizenship—and many even just a work permit. I also appreciate the President’s recognition that we must increase the number of immigration judges and asylum officers to reduce case backlogs. 

“The President made clear what is at stake for our country. We need leaders that fight for working families, stand up for reproductive freedom, and defend our democracy from those seeking to undermine it.”

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