News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch slammed the stalled efforts at immigration reform in the United States on Tuesday, calling it a "wasted opportunity" for the nation.
"I look at stalled immigration reform in the United States, stalled by the intransigence of both left and right, and I see wasted opportunity for that country," Murdoch, 83, said at a speech marking the 50th anniversary of The Australian newspaper.
Murdoch's remarks were reported by Australia's public broadcasting network,
the ABC. The black-tie celebration was held in Sydney and featured Prime Minister Tony Abbott as the keynote speaker.
Among the other media properties owned by Murdoch are The Times and The Sun in the United Kingdom, and Fox News, The New York Post and The Wall Street Journal in the U.S.
Long a supporter of immigration, Murdoch said it was crucial to Australia's long-term progress.
"We must be open to immigrants, to their desire to improve themselves, and of the resulting improvement in our country," Murdoch said.
"It is the collective self-interest to welcome immigrants, those who cherish the values of the country and who are sometimes willing to risk all in the quest for a better life."
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