Calls for Reform Dominate Immigration Rally in Downtown Waukesha

Dozens of people heading to Washington, D.C., this week to fight for immigration reform rallied in downtown Waukesha before traveling across the country.

The national rally will feature thousands of people fighting for a path to citizenship for undocumented/illegal immigrants, according to the Huffington Post.

While there is some support among senators for immigration reform, Sen. Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, says there is not yet final agreement on what that reform should be:

“I’m encouraged by reports of an agreement between business groups and unions on the issue of guest workers. However, reports that the bipartisan group of eight senators have agreed on a legislative proposal are premature.

“We have made substantial progress, and I believe we will be able to agree on a legislative proposal that modernizes our legal immigration system, improves border security and enforcement and allows those here illegally to earn the chance to one day apply for permanent residency contingent upon certain triggers being met. However, that legislation will only be a starting point.

“We will need a healthy public debate that includes committee hearings and the opportunity for other senators to improve our legislation with their own amendments. Eight senators from seven states have worked on this bill to serve as a starting point for discussion about fixing our broken immigration system. But arriving at a final product will require it to be properly submitted for the American people’s consideration, through the other 92 senators from 43 states that weren’t part of this initial drafting process. In order to succeed, this process cannot be rushed or done in secret.”