McCain, other US senators to tour Mexico border


March 27, 2013 at 10:21a.m.

McCain, other US senators to tour Mexico border

PHOENIX (AP) — Members of the so-called Gang of Eight are moving their negotiations on immigration reform to the Arizona-Mexico border.

Republican Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake of Arizona are expected to tour the border today with Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer of New York and Michael Bennet of Colorado.

McCain says touring the border is crucial to understanding security issues.

The trip comes as Congress is in recess and as the lawmakers put the finishing touches on a bill designed to secure the border and put 11 million illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship.

Immigration proponents say the group needs to introduce legislation soon, while some Republican lawmakers complain the process has moved too quickly.

President Barack Obama has urged Congress to pass immigration reform this year.