NM lawmakers react to immigration reform

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - As a border state, any immigration reform would have big effects on New Mexico.

On Monday, New Mexico’s delegates in Washington were quick to react to the immigration reform proposals laid out by Senate leaders.

All five lawmakers said the Senate’s proposed immigration package is a good starting point, but not surprisingly, they disagreed on the details.

The state’s four democrats in Washington praised the bi-partisan efforts of the proposals.

“I'm really optimistic and enthusiastic about the 113th congress sooner rather than later,” said Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, D-N.M.

But Lujan Grisham said she had some concerns, like why the proposal says a pathway to citizenship depends on whether other things get done, things like beefing up the Mexican border. 

“If a pathway to earned citizenship is contingent on other things and those things don't get done, how long are you waiting? Are those unfair obstacles? It seems to me we're still not doing comprehensive immigration reform,” Lujan Grisham said.

Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M. and Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., each said the reform would provide more certainty for Dream Act students.

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, D-NM, said the efforts were overdue, noting the principles of the plan match those already put forward by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Rep. Steve Pearce, R-NM, said the blueprint is a good starting point, but added “The Senate plan still incentivizes illegal entry as a path to citizenship.”

He said reform should include a chance for illegal immigrants to become guest workers, but not citizens.