Kirk, Dold, Diaz-Balart, Radogno Stand in Support of Immigration Reform

Statement

Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) today joined Representatives Bob Dold (R-Ill.-10) and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.-25), and Illinois State Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Ill.-41) for a discussion on commonsense immigration reform. The panel was hosted by the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC) and FWD.us, a bipartisan advocacy organization started by leaders in the business and technology sector like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Reid Hoffman and others. The speakers discussed best practices for engaging bipartisan members of Congress to pass sensible immigration reform.

"The American dream unlocks human potential faster and better than any other," said Senator Kirk. "I am committed to working across the aisle to reform our immigration policies and unlock the full potential of the men and women in our state who will build businesses and boost the Illinois economy."

"Reforming our broken immigration system is a deeply personal issue for families all across the Chicago area. Last year, I had the honor of bringing a Round Lake DREAMer named Erika Martinez to the State of the Union Address. Every day that Congress fails to act on immigration reform, families like Erika's are forced to continue living in fear of being torn apart," Rep. Dold said. "Although divisive, partisan rhetoric may make for better TV, today's forum is proof that there is bipartisan support to move immigration reform forward. I am committed to working with lawmakers in both parties who are willing to put partisanship aside in favor of the challenging problem solving that is needed to fix our immigration system and move our country forward."

"I am proud to stand with Senator Mark Kirk, Congressman Bob Dold, and the many local community leaders from Illinois who are here today," said Rep. Diaz-Balart. "I also want to thank Mark, Bob, and John Rowe of Exelon Corporation for inviting me to join this panel today. They understand how critical immigration reform is to our country, to our economy, and our national security. We all recognize that our immigration system is broken, and we believe in finding a commonsense solution. I commend Mark and Bob for their commitment to making immigration reform a priority and for working with our colleagues on a bipartisan level to stress the importance of solving this issue once and for all. I remain committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to find the answer that will strengthen our borders, humanely treat those living in the shadows, adhere to the rule of law, and bolster the economy."

In 2013, Senator Kirk was one of 14 Republicans to support comprehensive immigration reform that would first secure the border and then creates a tough but fair path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Kirk hailed the inclusion of key provisions to double the size of the border patrol, reform the Visa Waiver Program to include strong allies like Poland and expedite citizenship for non-citizens who serve in combat for the U.S. military.

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