Biz Leaders Call for Immigration Reform As It's Debated In Senate

In the wake of a bi-partisan poll that showed growing and more urgent support for reform, several business leaders called on elected officials to pass legislation that would remake America's immigration system.

At a press conference in Columbia, the businessmen urged South Carolina's congressional delegation to capitalize on the momentum while the Senate debates potential legislation. 

Two Palmetto State lawmakers are playing key roles in the debate.

Sen. Lindsey Graham is part of the so-called "Gang of Eight" while Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-4) is the Chairman of the Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee.

Among the business leaders who spoke in Columbia was Ruben Montalvo, who owns several businesses, including Cantinflas in downtown Greenville. 

Montalvo told his personal immigration story and how he was able to eventually attend Harvard and own more than a dozen businesses. Montalvo drew a comparison between immigration supporters today and the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, noting that at one time people like Rosa Parks were breaking the law.

John Durst, president of the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, told the media how important it is to for his industry to be fully staffed, especially in the summer.

As the press conference was going on, a poll was released (attached to this story) that showed more than 60 percent of South Carolinians in support of an immigration bill that included a "path to citizenship."

More than 70 percent of those polled said immigration needs to be fixed now and 56 percent said that a politician who voted in favor of a path to citizenship would get their support. 

The margin of error on the poll was 4.22 percent.

The Senate could vote on an immigration bill as soon as next week. If it passes, it will then move to the Republican-controlled House, where it is likely to face stiffer opposition.

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