This week, a bipartisan group of Senators offered a frame work for comprehensive immigration reform, and President Obama outlined his proposal in a speech in Nevada. Here is what’s being said in the immigration discussion in the business and religous communities.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: "We strongly support the outline for immigration reform issued by the bipartisan group of Senators. We know that many details will need to be worked out, but we are very encouraged by this framework for reform and look forward to helping advance comprehensive immigration legislation and build public support. The Chamber stands ready to work with all stakeholders to enact immigration reform that strengthens our competitiveness, helps us attract and retain the world’s best talent and hardest workers, secures our borders, and keeps faith with America’s legacy as a welcoming society."

National Retail Federation: "In order to compete in the global marketplace, where trade and talent are borderless, the United States needs an immigration and visa system that is both agile and responsive, and addresses employers' needs and demands and those of today's more agile and transient workforce."

Main Street Alliance: "A comprehensive immigration package with a path to earned citizenship is more than smart politics - it's smart economics, and it's the right move for small businesses and the economy."

Microsoft: "There is strong bipartisan consensus in Washington, D.C., and around the country that the United States must urgently address a growing shortage of workers trained in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields."

Leith Anderson, President, National Association of Evangelicals: "Now is the time for immigration reform. We've settled too long for a broken system, and now the nation is ready for changes that are just, reasonable and compassionate. Let's make immigration the issue where our political parties can come together and do what is right."

Dr. Richard Land, President, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention: "Congress does not often exceed my expectations. But these principles, and this demonstration of bipartisanship by our leaders, certainly have. The senators have introduced principles for a bill that has a true chance of passing. I think they sense this is a real opportunity. Not only should we be encouraged but we should understand that this is truly what St. Paul would call a 'kairos,' or propitious, moment to be seized. The momentum needs to be used to pass significant and helpful immigration reform."

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, President, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference: "The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference commends and applauds the principals proposed by United States Senators committed to finding a solution to the immigration crisis. As a member of the Evangelical Immigration Table, the NHCLC stands committed to an outcome that reconciles conviction with compassion, security with integration, all while recognizing the image of God in citizen and immigrant alike. Accordingly, while we continue to engage in prophetic activism, we also continue in our 'I Was a Stranger' prayer challenge. For we understand that prayer and activism result in one thing: justice in the name of Jesus!"

Rev. Gabriel Salguero, President, National Latino Evangelical Coalition: “The National Latino Evangelical Coalition (NaLEC) and its 3,000 congregations are hopeful that the principles for immigration reform laid out in a bipartisan manner provides real hope to the 11 million women, children and men who remain undocumented. This legislation is an honest compromise that can move the nation forward in healthy ways.”

Rev. Jim Wallis, President and CEO, Sojourners: “A bipartisan group of Senators has spoken: No legislation can be called immigration reform without a roadmap to citizenship. Creating a just and compassionate immigration system that meets the needs of the 21st century won’t happen overnight and it won’t be easy. For years the faith community has been calling for change, and we will be watching every step of the way to ensure that families are protected and the dignity of every one of God’s children is respected. We expect and demand nothing less. For us, this isn’t just a matter of politics, but one of faith and obedience to Jesus’ call in Matthew 25 for his followers to ‘welcome the stranger.’”