The San Antonio Express reported today that despite President Obama’s campaign promise to resolve the nation’s immigration problem in 2010, critics have said that immigration reform will face an uphill battle in Congress.
The battle begins with lawmakers from both parties who will be primarily concerned with mid-term elections. Next is the growing downturn in the economy which as of recent, has resulted in over a 10% unemployment rate.
Lastly, with the introduction of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for America’s Security and Prosperity Act of 2009 (better known as C.I.R. A.S.A.P.) by Congressional Representative Luis Gutierrez , they will now be pressured to vote on this issue while the country has other pressing issues like healthcare reform, the economy, and the war on terror. From a realistic standpoint, immigration reform in the midst of the country’s other problems will be a tough sell.
What critics have said that if no action is taken on this issue, the President and lawmakers will lose the Hispanic vote in 2012 when it comes time for re-election.
The President promised Hispanic groups during his election campaign that immigration reform would be addressed during his first term in office.
Additionally, he has called on Congress to act next year and senior officials from the USCIS and the DHS have said that they are ready to handle the additional influx of applications once immigration reform becomes a reality.
Overall, the President did in fact receive the majority of the Hispanic vote (67%) in his election. Therefore, expectations from Hispanic groups and their supporters for the President to sign immigration reform into law will be very high.
Related posts:
Can the President Hold on to the Hispanic Voters? Immigration Reform Will Answer that Question.
Immigration Reform Bill Introduced in the House