Caterpillar CEO pushes for immigration reform

PEORIA — The CEO of Caterpillar has joined U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin in pushing for comprehensive immigration reform.

Doug Oberhelman and Durbin discussed the issue at an event in Peoria on Thursday.

Durbin is an Illinois Democrat and one of the sponsors of legislation approved by the Senate that would provide a path to citizenship for immigrants who came to the country unlawfully. The bill also would expand access to visas for workers and graduates with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and math.

Oberhelman says tackling the immigration issue in a comprehensive manner will help make the country and companies such as Caterpillar more competitive.

However, it’s unlikely the Republican-controlled House of Representatives will approve the Senate’s bill. GOP leaders have indicated they’re more likely to advance their own, separate measures.