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As Congress moves forward with immigration reform, we take a look at how this issue connects to culture, business and families in the Northwest.Our region is home to a unique blend of immigrants who work in all parts of our economy — from high-tech to agriculture. This population already has a deeply-rooted history here. And its ranks are expanding rapidly.Proposals for comprehensive immigration reform address border security, employment verification, guest-worker programs and pathway to citizenship for an estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the US.

The Politics Of Federal Immigration Reform

Congressional Immigration Reform
AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

There appears to be a bipartisan deal in Congress to reform the country's immigration policy, as Democrats and Republicans dance a delicate dance in the hopes that neither party jeopardizes the agreement. The proposal by a Senate "Gang of Eight" creates a path to citizenship for 11 million people living in the US without documentation, creates a more secure border and, the GOP hopes, could reshape the political calculations of a growing segment of the electorate. We look at the policy and the politics of immigration reform with University of Washington pollster Matt Barreto.

Also this hour: journalist and author Alex Marshall says that all markets, from Athens to the Sundance Film Festival, need a human touch. He joins us to talk about “The Surprising Design of Market Economies.” Plus, a Seattle artist has a platinum hit single for the first time in 20 years. How has the Seattle music scene changed since then? Meanwhile in Sacramento, supporters of the NBA's Kings are not giving up their team without a fight. Sir Mix-A-Lot and John Roderick join us to talk music, basketball and more.