The Miami Herald reported today that President Obama, Democratic congressional leaders, and advocates for reforming the nation’s immigration laws have said that that passing a comprehensive immigration bill this year is a top priority, despite other legislative actions that include confirming Sonia Sotomayor to serve as a Supreme Court Justice, reforming the nation’s health care system, addressing climate change and, conducting wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Additionally, the 9.4% unemployment rate, lack of U.S. jobs, along with increased enforcement at the borders have contributed to a siginificant drop in illegal border crossings.
In 2006, the Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill, but the House of Representatives didn’t pass it despite pleas from former President Bush.
In 2007, the Senate tried again to pass immigration reform but ultimately, neither the House or the Senate had the will to deal with it due to the 2008 presidential election year.
This year, immigration reform has regained momentum and President Obama has made this a priority. However, opponents of immigration reform and some Republican congressional leaders think that immigration reform will die out again due to the more pressing issues the nation has to deal with.
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Presidential Meeting to Discuss Immigration Reform Postponed
