College presidents push for immigration reform

MIAMI (AP):

Florida's higher-education leaders are adding their voices to the immigration debate.

Eighteen of the state's college presidents signed a letter last week asking Florida's congressional delegation to pass an immigration overhaul. They say foreign-born students on temporary visas make up more than half of those earning advanced degrees in science and math. Those students, they say, need a path to citizenship in order to stay in the country, start businesses and help boost the economy.

The Democratic-controlled Senate passed legislation in June. It included new visa programmes and a path to citizenship for millions of immigrants here illegally. But the Republican-led House has rejected that approach.