Topeka ? The trade group for travel and tourism businesses in Kansas has joined an effort to start a state program to place some illegal immigrants in hard-to-fill jobs.

The Travel Industry Association of Kansas says it joined a coalition pushing state legislators to create such a program because it wants to address worker shortages in some industries. The coalition includes the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and agriculture groups.

The travel association also says it wants to prevent harm to the tourism industry that might occur if legislators enact tough laws aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration.

Legislators reconvene Wednesday to wrap up business for the year, but they’ve so far shown little interest in tackling immigration issues. Some critics consider the business coalition’s plan amnesty for illegal immigrants.