U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., announced Wednesday he plans to co-sponsor an immigration reform bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The bill, known as the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, would create a new path to citizenship based on immigrants learning English and passing background checks, according to a release from Pocan. The legislationwould also increase border security and reform visa programs, along with encouraging stricter enforcement of the E-verify programs, which ensure businesses hire employees according to the law.
Pocan is one of 190 representatives from both parties supporting the bill.The Senate passed the bill in June, but the House has yet to vote on the measure.
“Comprehensive immigration reform unites Americans from all different states, backgrounds and even political affiliations, and it’s time for Congress to act,” Pocan said in the release.
Passage of the bill could potentially create over 5,000 new jobs in Wisconsin in 2014, according to the statement.
