Rep. Paul Ryan hosts immigration town hall meeting in Racine

RACINE (WITI) -- A proposed immigration law has passed the Senate and is now heading to the House. If passed, millions could become U.S. citizens. Congressman Paul Ryan hopes the bill dies, and explained his case to a packed house in Racine on Friday, July 26th.

Ryan held a bilingual town hall meeting at Saint Patrick's Church in Racine.

When it was over, dozens gathered outside, saying they're still not happy with Ryan's plan. They're looking for a clear path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants.

"What we want to do is have most of our visas go to people who are coming to do work to fill the economy's needs," Ryan told the group Friday.

Ryan says he sees immigration as a way to boost the nation's economy. With thousands of baby boomers retiring every day, Ryan says immigrants can fill a need in the U.S. workforce.

Ryan's stance includes increased and enforced border security and a visa tracking system to make sure individuals are here lawfully.

"It`s a system that gets people right with the law where they have a probationary period - pay taxes, pay a fine, learn English and civics and get a work visa.  If they want to get a green card - you can do so at the back of that line. We think that is fair," Ryan said.

Citizenship could take 15 years or more for anyone looking for a green card.

For Marcela Ruiz, that's too long to wait.

"United States is like a dream for everybody.  But why he not say okay, give a green card to everybody - no visa?" Ruiz said.

Others outside agreed.

"We didn't hear specific commitments as to how he will lead the way to citizenship did we? No," one individual told FOX6 News.

Ryan says the House won't support the Senate's plan because it isn't tough enough on security. He says the House will take up the issue in the fall.