Stephen Colbert Backs Padilla’s Immigration Bill

On a recent episode of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,” host Stephen Colbert expressed his support for Senator Alex Padilla’s proposed legislation aimed at granting citizenship to illegal immigrants. The bill, known as “Updating the Registry,” seeks to provide a pathway to legal status for immigrants who have lived in the United States for an extended period, paid taxes, and maintained a clean criminal record. Colbert voiced his hope that the bill would pass despite the challenges posed by the previous administration’s policies.

Padilla’s Legislative Efforts and Challenges

Senator Padilla, a Democrat from California, introduced the bill as a response to what he described as the “brutality and cruelty” of President Donald Trump’s administration. During his appearance on Colbert’s show, Padilla emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of millions of immigrants who have been residing in the U.S. for years, contributing to society without any criminal history. He highlighted that the registry law has been in place for nearly a century and was last updated under President Ronald Reagan.

The Path to Legal Status

The proposed legislation aims to update the registry law by allowing immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for seven years or more to apply for legal status, provided they meet certain criteria such as paying taxes and having no criminal convictions. Padilla expressed optimism about the bill’s prospects, citing public opinion and bipartisan acknowledgment of the need for reform.

Colbert and Padilla Discuss Political Climate

Colbert and Padilla also discussed the political climate surrounding immigration reform. Padilla shared his hope that shifting public sentiment and bipartisan support would help advance the bill through the Senate. He noted that even some Republican leaders have recognized the need for a more humane approach to immigration policy.

Padilla’s Detention Incident

Earlier in June, Padilla was detained after attempting to interrupt a press conference held by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He explained that his actions were driven by his oversight responsibilities as a senator and his desire to seek more information on immigration policies. Despite being forcibly removed, Padilla remains focused on advocating for immigrant rights and addressing what he sees as an overreach by the administration.