Archbishop, Illinois Republicans address immigration reform

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago's Archbishop Blase Cupich joined top Illinois Republicans to offer public support for immigration reform, saying it is a moral issue that transcends bipartisanship.

Talk of immigration reform in quiet in Washington right now, but locally some Republicans are taking up the cause despite the financial challenges that loom over immigration service agencies.

"We must find a way, together, to get immigration reform done," said Gov. Rauner. "To encourage immigration streamlining, and to encourage hardworking, honest families who want to be part of our community to become American citizens."

"I really hope we stop this policy of attaching really controversial items to essential parts of the government which should not stop," said Republican Senator Mark Kirk.

The Illinois Business Immigration Coalition hosted a panel Monday morning at Saint Ignatius College Prep at the same time that Illinois governor Bruce Rauner proposes budget cuts to immigration services though out the state.

Lawrence Benito, CEO of Illinois Coalition of Immigration and Refuge Rights, says his organization and others strategizing how to continue helping undocumented residents with uncertain futures.

"Where there's political will there's always a way," Benito says. "It goes now to the General Assembly. We have support on both sides of the aisle."

Despite his budget proposal Governor Rauner, alluded to service needs as immigration reform moves forward.

"We need to take money out of the government bureaucracy and put it into the social services and the education system," he said. "It won't come easily, but we can get it done this year, and then we will have the proper support for the families who are here and need our support."

Budget appropriation hearings are underway on the governor's budget. In the meantime, agencies that assist the estimated 550,000 undocumented Illinois residents prepare for layoffs or worse.