PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island Democratic senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse told local business leaders they believe the bipartisan immigration reform bill will pass the Senate next week, but a fight lies ahead in the House.
The bill calls for a path to citizenship for some 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.; added border security, and a new visa program to expedite entry of foreign entrepreneurs.
The senators said the reforms will boost the state and national economy.
"We do think we're at a good place, but it's not over till it's over," Reed said at a roundtable at the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce attended by representatives of the hospitality and small business sectors, chambers of commerce and start-up companies.