GALEO applauds Senate committee passage of immigration bill

ATLANTA - Jerry Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO), calls this week's passage of an immigration reform bill by a Senate committee "a big step forward."

The Senate Judiciary Committee's 13-5 vote sends the measure to the full Senate:

"The bipartisan vote to move the long awaited bipartisan immigration reform bill is a big step forward," Gonzalez said. "Bipartisan consensus across the nation remains clear that a path to citizenship is an essential element of the legislation."

He went on to say "We expect that our U.S. Senators, Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, will study the bill carefully and reach a conclusion to vote in favor of moving towards a bipartisan solution. GALEO stands ready to be a resource for our Congressional delegation to make immigration reform a reality in 2013."

Gonzalez predicted "real economic benefits" for Georgia if the bill ultimately becomes law.

"Our Congressional delegation should study the economic impact seriously in order to generate economic stimulus for our state and move towards finally fixing our broken immigration system. We look forward to working with our entire Georgia Congressional delegation and urge them all to move towards a workable and bipartisan solution on immigration reform."