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WASHINGTON – Members of New Mexico's congressional delegation said they were encouraged by a proposal put forth by House Republican leaders this week to give illegal immigrants a chance to earn citizenship over the next decade.
The immigration reform "principles" unveiled Thursday at the House GOP's annual retreat on Maryland's Eastern Shore represent a significant breakthrough in the long-standing, failed congressional negotiations about how best to reform the nation's immigration laws. Democratic leaders in Washington, as well as rank-and-file Democratic delegates from New Mexico, voiced cautious optimism about the proposals.
"I'm hopeful that the House Republicans' (plan) means the door is open to a productive conversation, and that the House and Senate will be able to come together this year and pass an immigration bill that meets the real needs in our nation," said Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M.
Rep. Steve Pearce, the New Mexico delegation's only Republican, represents the state's sprawling border with Mexico. Pearce has long occupied a unique position on the immigration issue among members of the House GOP caucus. Like many Republicans, he opposes providing "amnesty" to people already in the country illegally. But Pearce advocates a greatly expanded guest worker program that would allow illegal immigrants a chance to become legitimate guests who could work in the U.S. as long as they pay taxes and return home occasionally.
"We are encouraged by the contents of these principles," Pearce spokesman Eric Layer said. "Immigration reform has long been a top priority and we are glad to see this moving forward. At the same time, Congressman Pearce's own views and positive proposals on how to best solve immigration issues – formed by years of communication with New Mexicans – are steady."
Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M., said she was glad the House Republican leadership "has finally outlined a set of immigration reform principles." She stressed that a so-called path to citizenship for the nation's estimated 11 million illegal immigrants is crucial to a bipartisan deal.
"As a nation of immigrants, citizenship has always been a key feature of who we are as Americans and it should be a key component of immigration reform," Lujan Grisham said. "It's time for House Republicans to side with a majority of the American people, in addition to countless business, faith and community leaders, and finally enact comprehensive immigration reform."
Rep. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., called the proposals "an important first step."
"There are some important differences between Republicans' principles and the bipartisan bill in the House that reflects the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' priorities," Luján said. "But all parties need to work together and I look forward to working with my Republican colleagues to find a way forward."
Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., said he was "especially pleased" with the GOP's willingness to discuss citizenship for young people brought to the United States by illegal immigrant parents.
"New Mexicans are eager for a solution, DREAM Act students deserve a solution and our economy requires a solution," Heinrich said. "The Senate has taken action, and it's time for the House to do the same and pass accountable immigration reform."
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