Business official reacts to House Republicans’ immigration plan

PHOENIX — A local business leader has weighed in on a set of standards released by House Republicans for the potential future of the nation’s immigration system.

“We’re excited about the progress,” said Glenn Hamer, CEO and president of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. “Arizona being a border state would benefit greatly. We would have greater access to employees from all countries. In the business community, we feel this would be rocket fuel for our economy.”

According to Politico, House Speaker John Boehner’s leadership team introduced some guiding principles at its annual policy retreat. Top Republicans circulated a tightly held, one-page memo titled “Standards for Immigration Reform” toward the end of a day that included strategy conversations about the Affordable Care Act, the economy and the national debt.

Boehner’s team discussed methods to reform the nation’s immigration system in a way that secures the border, meets the needs of employers and addresses legalization — including citizenship for so-called DREAMers.