The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) had a positive reaction to the movement of Republican lawmakers toward action in the area of immigration reform with the release of a GOP "white paper" outlining principles of debate on the issue.

Like other Latino groups, the USHCC is calling for tangible moves on legislation. The group complimented the GOP for recently becoming more open to starting a dialogue on the issue. 

"The USHCC has always sustained that the economic imperatives of passing comprehensive immigration reform are at the core of Republican values. Our nation's immigrants want nothing more than to work hard, be law-obeying citizens, pay taxes and contribute to our economy," stated USHCC President and CEO Javier Palomarez.

"As highlighted by the recently released GOP white paper, year after year we attract and educate some of the world's brightest and most talented minds, yet our broken immigration system forces these individuals to leave our country and start businesses elsewhere, often in competitive economies such as China, India or Brazil. With the cumulative economic case for immigration reform now irrefutable, the USHCC calls for a renewed commitment to passing common-sense reform. Further, we hope this white paper will help move this important legislative issue through the House, and restore a sense of confidence in the governing powers of Washington. The USHCC is committed to working with members of the House of Representatives to pass this necessary and long-overdue piece of legislation."

Regardless of the GOP's openness to discussing immigration reform, Republican leaders are standing strong on their "security first" approach to the situation, dimissing offering amnesty to any undocumented immigrants. 

"This is not trust but verify. This is a verify and trust approach," Republican Rep. Paul Ryan told ABC this week. "Security first, no amnesty, then we might be able to get somewhere."

The Republican plan holds no path toward citizenship, but rather "legal status" and also outlines tighter border security but no plan for those living in the U.S. illegally.