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Guest-worker program supported by governor

Associated Press
Published December 5, 2005


MERRILLVILLE -- President Bush's proposal for a guest-worker program as a way of addressing illegal immigration is gaining support from Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, as well as from organizations to help the growing immigrant population.

"These people are here and are prepared to work hard," Daniels told the Post-Tribune of Merrillville. "We need to find a way to deal with those issues" that prevent them from staying legally.

Adelina Torres of the Roman Catholic Office of Hispanic Ministries said Bush's proposal to give guest workers legal status for up to six years would help them. Workers would not break the law, would pay more taxes and would be able to move freely and integrate with society, she said.