'Dreamers' travel from Arizona to D.C. for immigration reform

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- A group of undocumented immigrants said they traveled from Arizona to Washington, D.C., but were unable to meet with House Speaker John Boehner.

Boehner, R-Ohio, declined to meet with the busload of 44 "dreamers," parents and supporters Tuesday because they did not have an appointment and were not from his Congressional district, the group said they were told by Boehner's staff.

They are in Washington this week to try to persuade Boehner to bring immigration reform up for a vote before time runs out, The Arizona Republic in Phoenix reported Wednesday.

"It's disappointing. We traveled more than 2,500 miles just to meet with him," said Francisco Luna, 23, an undocumented Arizona State university student.

Boehner has become the focus of a drive by immigration reform advocates to get Congress to pass comprehensive reform this year.

Reform advocates believe there are enough House Republicans who would support a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States, and believe Boehner is blocking the vote, the newspaper said.