WASHINGTON, D.C. – With negotiations over comprehensive immigration reform continuing over the Easter state work period, Alaska’s Congressional Delegation is weighing in on the matter in a letter to leaders in both chambers, citing Alaska’s historic commitment to diversity and inclusion as the spirit to be kept in mind as the process moves forward.

Leading with an allusion to Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich’s successful fight for equality during the 1940s, and pointing out that Alaska’s civil rights movement preceded the national cause by roughly a generation, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich and Representative Don Young wrote that the 49^th state may be considered the “reddest” of states by national political observers, but the reality on the ground shows it to be “a state that is highly diverse in population, culture and tradition.”

The delegation closed with a call to action for party leaders, asking for a three-pronged approach to be considered as discussion continues on the issue, including border security and enforcement, efficiency and well-crafted policy that is forward-looking:

“Inspired by the words of our First Alaskans, and deeply committed to an inclusive state and nation, we join today to express our hope that the bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform bill being drafted by our colleagues be brought to the floor of our respective bodies for consideration this session. Like our colleagues drafting the bill, we believe this legislation should secure our border, streamline our legal immigration system and provide a clear and responsible path to citizenship for those already here.”

The letter to Congressional leaders can be read here.