Ryan supports Rubio immigration plan

House Budget Committee chairman Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) supports Sen. Marco Rubio's (R-Fla.) immigration reform blueprint.

"Sen. Rubio is exactly right on the need to fix our broken immigration system," Ryan wrote on his Facebook on Monday. "I support the principles he’s outlined: modernization of our immigration laws; stronger security to curb illegal immigration; and respect for the rule of law in addressing the complex challenge of the undocumented population. Our future depends on an immigration system that works."

Ryan's endorsement gives a boost to Rubio's efforts. Both Republicans are seen as potential GOP candidates for president in 2016. 

Rubio outlined his preferred approach to immigration reform in a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal. He argued the best way to tackle immigration reform would be through passing a series of bills instead of a single omnibus package. 

Rubio also wants undocumented immigrants to come forward and go through a process to get legal status that could include background checks, paying a fine and back taxes and possibly community service. That process also includes the option of eventually becoming a citizen. 

Legislators in both the House and the Senate have begun quiet negotiations on immigration reform. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) a leading Democrat on immigration reform, has held discussions with Ryan on the topic. 

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