Florida Republican governor Rick Scott said Tuesday that he will focus on passing a comprehensive immigration reform package during the upcoming 2012 legislative session.
“We should have done an immigration bill. The federal government should be securing our borders. They should have a logical, national immigration policy, a good work visa program policy,” Mr. Scott said.
“If people are in our state illegally we should be able to ask them if they’re legal or not if they’re doing something wrong and violating our laws. That’s one thing we ought to be doing,” the Florida Republican added.
Mr. Scott’s comments come as state lawmakers have pushed forward with plans in various states for immigration reform laws. Alabama, the latest state to pass an immigration measure, is facing legal challenges after civil rights groups said the law unfairly discriminates against minority groups within the state.
Mr. Scott said a revamped immigration policy would create jobs in the state, enticing companies to move their operations from neighboring states.
“I want everybody in this state to call somebody and say, ‘Look why don’t you move your company here?’ Mr. Scott said.
Mr. Scott’s push for an immigration reform law comes just one day after President Obama spoke with major Hispanic groups, reiterating his pledge to push for a national policy on the issue.
“We should stop punishing innocent young people for the actions of their parents. We should stop denying them the chance to earn an education or serve in the military. And that’s why we need to pass the Dream Act,” Mr. Obama said Monday. “We’re going to keep fighting for the Dream Act.”
