Posted on July 17, 2013

Boehner Backs Bill for Immigrants Brought as Kids

Erica Werner, Yahoo! News, July 17, 2013

Legislation offering citizenship to immigrants brought illegally to the U.S. as children is “about basic fairness,” House Speaker John Boehner said Wednesday, pointing to an emerging consensus among House Republicans as they struggle for a way forward on immigration.

“These children were brought here of no accord of their own, and frankly they’re in a very difficult position,” the Ohio Republican said. “And I think many of our members believe that this issue needs to be addressed.”

Boehner’s comments at a news conference came in response to a question about legislation being drafted by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., and Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., that would offer citizenship to certain immigrants brought here as children.

Details of the bill have not been made public but Goodlatte’s committee is holding a hearing on the issue next week.

“These in many instances are kids without a country if we don’t allow them to become full citizens of our country,” Cantor said. “It is not only an issue of fairness, as the speaker said, it’s an issue of decency and compassion. Where else would these kids go?”

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