Today, business leaders from around the country are calling for action on immigration reform. Here in Colorado, a group of media professionals gathered at the South Metro Denver Chamber for a press conference.
“While politicians may be in a stalemate, business leaders are more convinced now than ever that something needs to be done,” said Jeff Wasden, President of the Colorado Business Roundtable. "It’s not just a security issue, but a workforce issue. We need to put aside the fears that this is somehow a play for amnesty."
Bob Goldman, the new CEO of the South Metro Denver Chamber, stated, "This issue of immigration reform is crucial to business in our area, as well as all over Colorado." Also interesting is the statistic that he shared, "40% of the Fortune 500 were started by an immigrant or the child of an immigrant."
George Brachler, the District Attorney of the 18th Judicial District, advocates a system that allows immigrants to report crimes without fear of deportation. "You and I are accountable under our laws, but they (undocumented immigrants) are not - and that's something that needs to change." He added, "There is something that the community loses when laws are not predictable and consistently enforced." He added, “No economy can thrive in an environment where people don’t feel safe."
Jeff Wasden wrapped up the press conference. "So we're here today on a national Call for Action to encourage congress to take action. To immediately start to enforce our nation's laws. To control and secure our borders. To develop a verification system that truly allows businesses to ensure the worker that are here are here legally. Jeff concluded, "Our members of congress need to hear from us and we need to get something done on this important issue. It's broken and it needs fixing today."
Other related news reports:
http://kdvr.com/2014/07/09/business-agriculture-leaders-press-obama-congress-for-immigration-reform/