NC delegation reaction to immigration reform plan

A bipartisan group of U.S. Senators has begun laying the foundation for an immigration reform effort.

WRAL News asked the two senators and 13 U.S. House members who represent North Carolina in Congress the following by email at 11:30 a.m. Monday morning:

• The Associated Press reports the bipartisan group of Senators would like to create a “path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already here, contingent upon securing the border and better tracking of people here on visas.” Is this something that you would or could support?
• Is there any special allowance that should be made for those brought here when they were young children?
• What would you consider critical in any immigration reform bill? In other words, what would the bill need to include in order to have your support?

Their answers are below. If there is no answer under a lawmaker's name, they have not responded as of this time. WRAL News will update answers we get on the issue through this week.

Hudson's Answer: “Reforming our broken and inefficient immigration system is necessary for economic growth and a secure homeland. I am encouraged that a bipartisan group of Senators has put forward a proposal that will jumpstart a much-needed discussion; however, I need to see details in a bill to determine if it strengthens our borders and includes assurances that undocumented immigrants will not receive public benefits. I strongly believe first and foremost that our top priority needs to be achieving operational control of the border. Once that is successfully achieved, the next step of reform is putting a comprehensive system in place to identify immigrants that employers need for critical industries like agriculture that are the backbone of North Carolina’s economy. What I will not support is a plan that puts illegal immigrants in line ahead of those who have abided by our legal process.”