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Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL) Latest House Republican to Come Out for Citizenship

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Florida Congressman Rep. Daniel Webstser (R-FL) became the latest House Republican to come out in support of immigration reform with a path to citizenship this weekend, when he announced in an interview with the Orlando Sentinel that he supported citizenship with some preconditions.

As the Sentinel wrote:

On the same day Congress adjourned for a five-week break, U.S. Rep. Dan Webster did something he’s avoided for months: speak at length about immigration reform and declare his support for an approach that would give unauthorized immigrants a pathway to citizenship.

Webster’s latest move on immigration comes after recent pressure from a number of groups in Florida, including the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC).  On a press call last Friday (shortly before Webster’s announcement), FLIC’s Executive Director Maria Rodriguez mentioned that Webster was one of her group’s main targets and asked him “are you for moving forward on immigration reform and supporting the families of Florida, following leaders like Marco Rubio and Mario Diaz-Balart?  Or are you with Steve King and nativists who are obstructionists and against cultural change?”

Webster’s preconditions to citizenship include making sure that at least 90% of all border crossers are stopped.  Some Members of Congress have cited border security as a reason why they cannot get behind immigration reform–but Webster’s comments are the latest proof that support for both is not mutually exclusive.  More controversially, Webster also wants state and local authorities to play a role in enforcing immigration law–an idea that is central to anti-immigrant laws such as SB 1070 in Arizona and HB 56 in Alabama.

Webster’s support of citizenship, however, makes him at least the 20th House Republican to support full status for the 11 million.  Our whip count has at least 200 House Democrats in addition to those 2o House Republicans CURRENTLY in support of immigration reform with a path to citizenship.  That’s at least 220 votes, and a bill that passes through the House only needs 218.  But Speaker of the House John Boehner–who controls these things–has thus far refused to give immigration reform a vote.  That’s what immigration reform advocates across the nation this month will be trying to change, with rallies, demonstrations, and more.

View the full list of House Republicans who support immigration reform with a path to citizenship here.