The Small Business Survival Committee, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group, wasted little time last week in backing a plan by President Bush to reform immigration rules by allowing millions of undocumented workers to obtain work visas and remain legally in the U.S.
“Sound immigration reform combines tightening up our borders for national security purposes, while expanding legal channels for immigration to help our economy and to offer millions of hard-working people a chance at a better life,” said Karen Kerrigan, the committee’s chairwoman.
Raymond Keating, chief economist for the group, said legalizing the status of many immigrants is good for the economy. “In simple, straightforward terms, a growing population due to immigration means more workers, more consumers, more risk takers and more taxpayers.”