TUCSON, AZ (Tucson News Now) -
A coalition of organizations is promoting what it calls a
solution to federal immigration reform.
The Real Arizona Coalition says Arizona's S.A.N.E. solution
addresses the needs of a 21st century economy.
As lawmakers are again taking up the issue of immigration reform, local business leaders are proposing their own solutions.
The proposal sounds familiar. But, the big thing here is timing because reform is back on the table.
Business leaders have teamed up with the Maricopa County attorney
to introduce ways to keep illegal immigrants working here by giving them
temporary legal status.
"Let us know where you're
working, your skill set, your education level, and you'll go through a criminal
background check...If you pass the background check you have some options, you
can choose to petition for permanent legal residency and stay in the United States," said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery.
They're not exactly talking about a path to citizenship. Under the plan a person would have to go back to their home
country to start the citizenship process.
The head of a local construction company says the plan is a win-win situation.
"Many of those laborers
have immigration issues, and as our economy recovers we're going to be
definitely struggling with workforce issues and the fact that the immigration
policy is unresolved, it's hurting our ability to have an adequate workforce,"
said Kurt Wadlington with Sundt Construction.
The plan also calls for improvements in border enforcement
specifically in Tucson and changing the requirements for visas.
Follow the links with this story to read more about the plan.
Copyright 2012 Tucson News Now. All rights reserved.
