Dem, GOP State Reps Call For Immigration Reform

State lawmakers – 39 Democrats and seven Republicans – have sent a letter to Wisconsin’s congressional delegation asking them to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

The list of signers includes Milwaukee Assembly Democrat JoCasta Zamarripa, Wisconsin’s only Latina legislator. She says when she was first elected a few years ago she thought the fight for immigration reform rested squarely on her shoulders.

Zamarripa: “But today, I know that I am part of a diverse and growing coalition of support for comprehensive immigration reform with a pathway to citizenship.”

The group is calling on Congress to pass a bill that secures the U.S. border while at the same time offering a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already in the country.

Rep. Jeff Stone, R-Greendale, says if the federal government doesn’t act, it creates issues that state and local governments have to deal with.

Stone: “I don’t think we should let this opportunity pass by to achieve a rational immigration policy that will help us build our economy.”