Chaffetz: GOP ‘missed opportunity’ on immigration reform

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) says his party “missed an opportunity” on immigration by not holding a vote on his legislation to reform U.S. visa laws.

By passing his bill, Chaffetz said House Republicans could have put pressure on Democrats to take a step on immigration. He also argued it would show the GOP is not opposed to making some changes to immigration policy.

{mosads}Democrats and the White House, Chaffetz noted, have opposed the bill because they argue Congress should take up more comprehensive immigration reform.

“It’s frustrating, I want to do it right now,” he said. “I have stood up in our conferences. I have talked to my colleagues, I have implored them to please take this up sooner rather than later.”

Chaffetz’s bill would eliminate ceilings on the number of visas that can be given to immigrants from a specific country.

Please watch the video clip above to hear Chaffetz talk about his frustrations.