Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Ricketts lobbying senators on immigrant licensing bill

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts is personally lobbying senators to try to stop them from overriding his veto of a bill that would allow certain immigrants to get professional licenses.

One lawmaker said Wednesday that the governor called him in hopes of swaying his vote, but failed to persuade him. Sen. Les Seiler of Hastings says in an open letter to Ricketts that he will continue to support the legislation.

The bill would apply to young immigrants who entered the country illegally but received temporary legal status under a 2012 Obama administration policy.

Supporters say it would help fill jobs in a state where companies are struggling to find qualified workers. Ricketts says it's unfair to those who came here legally.

Lawmakers will attempt the override Wednesday.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.