Immigration reform deserves support

Regarding the Aug. 2 story, “Senators push immigration reform, condemn King's remarks at Iowa forum”:

While I wasn't able to attend the forum in Ames hosted by Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin and Illinois Sen. Richard Durbin, I agree with them 100 percent.

Three generations ago, my great-grandmother and great-grandfather emigrated from Czechoslovakia to the U.S. If the immigration system was then what it is now, I might not be an American citizen today.

The Varadas worked hard, paid taxes and as a result their granddaughter, my mother, became the first member of my family to attend college, followed by my brother and me. It's because I'm living the American dream that it seems so unfair to deny it to others.

Reforming our broken immigration system also makes good sense for Iowa. According to Regional Economic ModelsInc., reforms like those proposed in the Gang of Eight's immigration proposal would boost Iowa's economic output by $279 million and create approximately 3,298 new jobs in our state in 2014.

My family was immigrants and chances are, many of your readers' families were, too. I urge Cedar Rapidians to call Rep. Bruce Braley and ask him to voice his support for comprehensive immigration reform that includes an earned pathway to citizenship, holds employers accountable and secures our nation's borders.

Cate Barker

Cedar Rapids