GALEO: GOP principles on immigration reform a critical first step

ATLANTA - The Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials GALEO) says the House Republican leadership's draft of their immigration principles is a "critical first step" in immigration reform.

GALEO Executive Director Jerry Gonzalez said with its release, the Republican leadership has "raised the stakes on themselves to finally deliver on immigration reform. Our movement for a bipartisan solution has been building momentum and there is more work to be done."

Gonzalez went on to say "We are encouraged by the first step which the Republican House leadership has done with the release of these 'Principles' on immigration. We believe this is a good faith effort to move the process forward. However, we do expect actual legislation to follow these 'Principles' soon."

Gonzalez said that ensuring that "we produce a viable path to earned legalization and maintain channels for citizenship for those already here are both essential elements to the process."

He promised that once legislation is produced with a clear timeline for action, GALEO is committed to work with both Republicans and Democrats to get immigration reform accomplished this year."