Murdoch, Bloomberg call for immigration reform - Boston News, Weather, Sports | FOX 25 | MyFoxBoston

BOSTON (FOX 25 / MyFoxBoston.com) - Mayor Bloomberg and Mr. Murdoch also agreed that both President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney are too afraid to make it happen.

At the Seaport Hotel in Boston, the two sat down for a moderated discussion on immigration and its impact on the economy. Both are members of the Partnership for a New American Economy which is a group of business leaders and mayors pushing for what they call sensible immigration reform to help grow the United States economy.

They agree it's time for elected officials to make it easier for immigrants to come to the United States legally. Mr. Murdoch says he doesn't understand why Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney won't offer up a plan for illegal immigrants to live and work here lawfully.

"Give them a path to citizenship," he said. "They'll pay taxes, they're hard working people. They're everything. Why Mitt Romney doesn't do it, I have no idea. Because they're natural Republicans."

Mayor Bloomberg says the only way reform will happen is if voters demand it from their politicians.

"It's up to the public in the end to hold government's feet to the fire," he said.

Mr. Murdoch says immigrants can help grow the economy.

"An immigrant is more likely to start a business than a non-immigrant," he said. When asked why, Mr. Murdoch responded, "They're more ambitious...they've come from pretty desperate circumstances. They want to live the American Dream."

After the discussion, Mr. Murdoch tweeted: "Great session with Bloomberg on immigration. Agreed both parties too chicken to make obvious improvements, all good for economy and jobs."

On Wednesday, President Obama's initiative to defer deportations for young immigrants officially goes into effect.

The program grants work permits to illegal immigrants brought here as children.

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