PORTLAND, Ore.—A panel of agricultural, business, political and social leaders called for comprehensive immigration reform Wednesday, saying the current system is broken, hurts families and hampers economic growth in Oregon.
The gathering was part of a coordinated national campaign, called “Reason for Reform,” that kicked off in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The effort is the work of a bi-partisan group called the Partnership for a New American Economy.
The group released reports that detail the economic impact of foreign-born residents, including data on businesses started by immigrants, the number of people they employ, their tax payments, spending power and the types of jobs they fill in Oregon and elsewhere.
Speakers in Portland included state Rep. Tina Kotek, who is Speaker of the House of Representatives. She said immigrants make “an enormous and growing contribution to our culture and economy” and the current immigration system is disjointed and chaotic.
State Sen. Michael Dembrow, D-Portland, said immigrants and refugees in Oregon are not here to “game the system.”
“They are here to work and work hard,” he said. “Without their labor, agricultural areas all over the U.S would be in serious distress.”
Immigrants’ contribution to Oregon agriculture was a highlight of the state report.
Source: www.capitalpress.com