Immigration to be among topics at national governors' meeting

DETROIT -- The nation's governors are expected to discuss immigration issues during their annual meeting later this month, the chair of the National Governors Association said Monday.

The annual meeting July 20-23 follows President Bush's immigration reform plans failing in the U.S. Senate last week and will be held at a northern Michigan resort at which a raid turned up 20 illegal foreign workers last year.

The raid at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa near Traverse City led to federal charges against top officials at a nationwide janitorial service and the arrest of more than 200 illegal immigrants around the country.

"I expect (immigration) will be a topic of conversation and action," Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano said in a conference call with reporters. Napolitano, the association's chair, hosted the call with Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

Napolitano said immigration is not a formal part of the meeting's program, but the gathering will give her a chance to talk about it with other governors. So far, about 35 have confirmed their attendance.

Last week, she expressed disappointment that the Senate failed to act on the bill, which offered lawful status to as many as 12 million illegal immigrants living in the U.S. while fortifying the border and workplaces against future illegal arrivals.

Napolitano and Granholm, both Democrats, outlined some of the agenda items for the conference, the theme of which is Innovation America. Among the topics: increasing standards in K-12 education and enhancing technology instruction at the collegiate level and how states can boost their economies through innovation.

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