LANSING — State Representatives Harvey Santana (D-Detroit) and Gail Haines (R-Waterford) are working together to develop legislation to reform Michigan’s immigration system in order to make the state a more attractive place for talented individuals looking to live and work here.
“I want Michigan to be known as an immigrant-friendly state,” Santana said. “Businesses look to create jobs where there’s a good pool of talent, and if we can attract people with advanced degrees to our state, companies will follow.”
In last week’s meeting of the House Committee on Michigan Competitiveness, of which Santana and Haines are members, Santana led a discussion on immigration and its effect on Michigan’s economy. That prompted the lawmakers to collaborate on a package of legislation to address immigration to Michigan.
“Michigan’s economy is on the upswing, but there’s more we can be doing,” Haines said. “We want to position ourselves to compete with other states and truly promote a global Michigan. Immigration reform will be a powerful tool to spur Michigan’s recovery.”