Mayors at Oklahoma City conference call for federal immigration reform

Mayor Phil Gordon told those attending a U.S. Conference of Mayors panel that although he and his family have been the target of threats because of his criticism of the law, he regrets not speaking out earlier and demanding the federal government address immigration reform in the U.S.

He said reform needs to address security at the border, put an emphasis on finding dangerous criminals and eliminate the obstacles to citizenship and residency that cause many to shun the system.

"When a policy says wait 20 years, they can't come here legally,” said Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, referring to the limited number of certain types of visas to workers and family members of immigrants.

The latest visa availability update from the U.S. State Department shows Mexican-born children of U.S. citizens and permanent residents only are being considered for a family-sponsored visa if they applied before 1992.