Immigration Reform 2014: Republicans and Illinois Businessmen Ask Congress to Approve Immigration Reform [Video]

Republican leaders and businessmen of Illinois called for the U.S. Congress to approve immigration reform during this legislative year.

Two young legislators of the Republican Party in Illinois, Aaron Schock and Adam Kinzinger surprised everyone on Tuesday, April 22 when they announced they would support any measure that provides a way for the more than 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the US to become citizens.

According to The Hill, another Illinois Republican, Representative John Shimkus, has also expressed his support to promote an initiative for citizenship.

"We need a clear road to citizenship for the workers who are already here and a fair and efficient system for those who want to come. We can't forget that we're a nation of immigrants," said Schock on Tuesday during an act organized by the Illinois Businessmen Coalition for Immigration Reform, according to 89.3 KPCC.

On his part, Congressman Adam Kinzinger published a testimonial video in which he calls to work together to reach an agreement that would allow undocumented immigrants to "leave the shadows, to join the legal workforce and be a part of the melting pot of races that enriches the country."

"But if we don't properly secure the borders, we might face the same problem in a few years, and this must be the first step in a reform process," warns the Congressman in the video which can be seen on YouTube.

The support that Illinois Republicans have shown towards immigration reform shows the international division of said party regarding immigration.

While Republicans in the House of Representatives have fought to keep the immigration reform project approved by the Senate suspended, in Illinois, Republicans have disagreed with these measures and have even asked Congress to approve the reform this year, according to ABC.

From former Governor Jim Edgar, to Senator Christine Radogno and Illinois' business elite, Illinois' call is clear: support immigration reform in 2014.