WASHINGTON (AP) — Some of the leading U.S. businesses are prodding lawmakers to act on immigration legislation at a critical moment in Congress.

In a letter to be released Tuesday, the chief executives of Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, Loews Hotels, Tyson Foods, Cargill and a half-dozen other national and regional companies write that congressional action on immigration is indispensable to their businesses.

The letter comes as House Republican leaders confront a narrowing window to act on overhauling immigration laws. It’s been nearly a year since the Senate passed a bipartisan bill with billions of dollars for border security and a path to citizenship for the millions now here illegally, but it’s stalled in the House.

The Senate bill also included a new visa program for lower-skilled workers. The business leaders say such a program is critical.

• Politics & Government
• Immigration Issues