Udall Welcomes Introduction of Bipartisan Comprehensive Immigration Reform Legislation

Statement

Mark Udall welcomed the introduction of comprehensive immigration reform legislation today by a bipartisan group of senators as a first step of many to fix the country's broken immigration system. He applauded the fact that the comprehensive immigration reform bill includes his bipartisan legislation, the StartUp Visa Act, which would help foreign entrepreneurs and highly skilled college graduates of U.S. universities to create jobs in the United States.

"I am very encouraged that the Senate is moving forward in a bipartisan way on comprehensive immigration reform legislation, which is an important first step to fixing one of the biggest problems facing our country today. I have hosted several roundtable discussions with key stakeholders throughout Colorado and they have provided me with a keen understanding not only of the challenges we face, but also what needs to be done," Udall said. "As we move forward to consider this legislation, the views of Coloradans from all walks of life -- including business, religious, agricultural and labor leaders -- will guide me as I stand up for them in Washington and demand that we address immigration reform in a way that is fair and humane, strengthens our national security, protects American workers, and helps our economy thrive."

Mark Udall, who has consistently fought for fixing the country's broken immigration system through comprehensive immigration reform and the DREAM Act, recently wrote an op-ed in the Denver Post on the issue. Udall also supported the bipartisan Colorado Compact on immigration, encouraging the rest of the country to follow Colorado's lead.

For many years Mark Udall has consistently pushed for comprehensive immigration reform. His latest round of listening sessions started in November, when he joined with immigration-reform advocates to demand that Congress act as soon as possible. This Saturday, in Weld County, Udall will hold his latest community roundtable on comprehensive immigration reform and will listen to thoughts and concerns from local residents, business leaders and advocates about the new legislation.

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