Mayor McAdams Applauds Bipartisan Action on Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Michelle Schmitt

mschmitt@slco.org

Mayor Ben McAdams said today he’s encouraged by the bipartisan action occurring in the U.S. Senate on the critical issue of immigration reform. A bipartisan group of senators, including Arizonans John McCain and Jeff Flake and Colorado Senator Michael Bennet, released the framework of possible federal legislation this week. McAdams said all sides agree that our immigration system is broken and that reform must occur at the federal level. “Despite pleas from elected officials in cities, counties and states--during both Republican and Democratic administrations in Washington--we still do not have a functioning immigration system. The result is stress on families, uncertainty for employers, and a circumstance that actually encourages illegal immigration,” said McAdams.

Mayor McAdams sees progress in the form of the four basic legislative pillars announced this week, including the creation of a tough but fair path to citizenship for unauthorized immigrants currently living in the U.S., contingent upon secure borders. An estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants are, in essence, living in the shadows.

“Comprehensive reform based on respect for human dignity and compassion will help strengthen families and the American economy. That’s the outcome I believe the majority of Utahns support,” said McAdams.