Immigration reform set to return in 2014

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives wrapped up its work on Thursday with no progress made on immigration reform.  However, both parties gave assurances that they tackle this thorny issue early next year.  Supporters of immigration reform held sit-ins in the Capitol on Thursday and visited with other activists who have been fasting to protest the lack of a vote in the House.

House speaker John Boehner appeared to signal a major break from right-wing conservatives on Thursday after they opposed his efforts to reach a deal with Democrats over the federal budget.  The House has shied away from a comprehensive plan, in favor of a more piecemeal approach.

Experts in immigration reform believe that Boehner is preparing to work with Democrats on the issue in the New Year.  Only last week, Boehner appointed a high-profile immigration expert, Becky Tallent, who worked for senator John McCain when he last tried to pass comprehensive immigration reform under President George W. Bush.  It seems unlikely that Ms. Tallent would have taken the job unless there was a plan in place to move forward on immigration reform in 2014.

The White House has continued to promote reform.  Democrats have hinted at possible concessions they may be willing to make in order to come to an agreement on an immigration reform bill.

Max Sevillia, policy director at the Naleo Educational Fund, said “If Republicans ever want to have a president again, they need to pay attention to the Latinos.”

Let’s hope that the Senate and House make immigration reform a reality in 2014.

For more on this subject, see this article published on Thursday in the New York Times and another one published today in The Guardian. 

Senators May File Immigration Bill Today

Today the "Gang of 8" lawmakers may release their draft bill. Even Sen. Marco Rubio is said to support this negotiated compromise to immigration reform.

The bill is rumored to address topics previously reported in the media, including a ten-year waiting period for undocumented immigrants; a multi-million dollar increase in border security funding; and special provisions for "DREAMers," or children who do not have legal status but have been raised and educated as Americans. The bill may also include special provisions for agricultural and other workers. Businesses are pushing for increased visa eligibility for engineers and tech workers, which would help immigrant entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, the bill could also end the "diversity visa" program and reduce the availability of visas for family members of U.S. citizens.

However, even when the Senate bill is released, this first draft could look significantly different from the final version. A poll by the Washington Post shows popular support for a "path to citizenship," but that issue is still contentious within Congress.

Immigration Reform Needs to Include Everyone

As Congress debates, negotiates, and writes immigration reform legislation, various groups of people are working to make sure their interests are included.

Tech companies are interested in making sure they can hire the best immigrant workers. LGBT couples would like specific provisions to ensure family unity. Supporters of the "DREAM Act" want to make sure that undocumented students and young people have the opportunity to gain legal status. It is unclear whether Congress will emphasize family connections or work skills in deciding who gets priority in becoming a citizen.

Do you have opinions on how immigration reform should proceed? What would you like included? Click here to find out how to contact your Senator and Representative. If you have questions about your rights under current immigration law, contact us.

How Long Will We Wait for Immigration Reform?

Congress continues to negotiate immigration reform, and there is no clear timeline on when its members will come to an agreement. Senators are divided on whether they will actually make an agreement on language for an immigration reform bill by the end of the week, as hoped. They are focusing currently on plans to give agricultural workers and farmworkers a path to citizenship. However, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida has still not given any strong indication of his support for any proposed bill. In the House, a group of representatives wrote a bill aimed at using technology and data to improve border security.

Immigration reform is critical right now for everyone, but especially for gay and lesbian immigrants. If the Supreme Court creates federal same-sex marriage, this will have far-reaching immigration consequences for gay and lesbian partners of American citizens.

Read more here:
http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/09/timing-of-senate-immigration-bill-remains-unclear/

Senators Look Toward Immigration Reform

Senators Charles Schumer (Democrat) from New York and Lindsey Graham (Republican) from South Carolina are reportedly discussing renewing efforts in Congress to enact comprehensive Immigration Reform.  According to an article in the on-line political news site, Politico,  some congressional representatives believe there is a "shot at reform" this year.  Reform could include the DREAM act which would permit enrolled college students to apply for legal permanent resident status and could also include provisions for temporary workers and possibly long term relief for other immigrants in the United States.