U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.) led an immigration discussion in Kalamazoo, Michigan, last week and brought one of the House’s foremost experts on the issue with him – U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.).
Upton and Diaz-Balart have been among Congress’ strongest proponents of immigration reform.
“This is an issue that has an impact on every community in our country,” Upton said. “To further delay reform is to perpetuate the problems of a broken system that hurts millions of families and costs our economy dearly. That is simply unbefitting our great nation.”
The event included Southwest Michigan employers, higher education representatives, farmers and community advocates.
“As we heard today, this is an issue that cannot afford to sit on the back burner any longer,” Upton said. “I look forward to continuing my efforts with Mario to get the job done, working with Democrats and Republicans to craft legislation that the president can sign into law. The costs of inaction are simply too great.”
Later, Upton and Diaz-Balart attended a Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration hosted by the Hispanic American Council of Kalamazoo, where they met with Hispanic community members.
“From the start, Congressman Upton has understood the problems that our immigration system faces, and we have been working together to find an answer that will bolster our economy, respect the rule of law and protect our nation,” Diaz-Balart said. “I’m grateful for friends like Congressman Upton who see these problems and have committed themselves to being part of the solution. I look forward to joining him and our House colleagues in the 114th Congress to continue working toward a better tomorrow for our country.”