7 Illinois congressmen sign letter to Obama urging immigration reform this year

12:46 PM CDT, August 3, 2009

CHICAGO (AP) — Seven members of Illinois' congressional delegation are joining immigrant rights activists in pushing President Barack Obama for immigration reform this year.

U.S. Reps. Luis Gutierrez, Mike Quigley and Danny Davis have signed a letter to Obama that says laws need to be passed that keep immigrant families together, protect workers and provide safe migration opportunities.

U.S. Reps. Bobby Rush, Jan Schakowsky, Jesse Jackson Jr. and Phil Hare also signed the letter, which is circulating in the U.S. House.

Their announcement Monday echoes calls for reform by activist groups who are getting impatient that a reform bill isn't before lawmakers.

The groups include the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

Obama has vowed to deal with immigration reform but has offered few specifics.


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