MADISON, Wis. — A bipartisan group of 46 Wisconsin state lawmakers is calling on members of the state's congressional delegation to support passage of an immigration reform bill.

The state lawmakers on Wednesday released their letter that urges them to approve the bill making its way through Congress.

The Senate was expected to pass the bill on Thursday, which would send it to the Republican-controlled House. President Barack Obama supports the bill that would open the door to U.S. citizenship for millions of people.

Democratic state Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa, of Milwaukee, joined with Republican Rep. Jeff Stone, of Greendale, in releasing the letter at a Capitol news conference.

Zamarripa says the "time is now" for immigration reform, which she says will strengthen the country's economy.