Cincy mayor calls for immigration reform

CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati’s mayor says a difficult path to citizenship for immigrants is hindering economic growth and innovation in his city and the U.S.

Mayor Mark Mallory’s comments came today after he met with a small group of local business owners and immigration attorneys.

Mallory says immigration reform needs to be at the top of the nation’s priorities and called on Congress to pass a bill currently in the Senate.

The bill would create a 13-year road to citizenship for the estimated 11.5 million immigrants living in the United States illegally. It also would establish a program to allow low-skilled workers into the country and sharply expand the number of visas for highly skilled workers.

The bill also mandates a costly new effort to secure U.S. borders against future illegal crossings.