Thread: Immigration reform is now getting the attention it deserves

San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial

Taking center stage

Immigration reform is now getting the attention it deserves

2:00 a.m. May 4, 2009

The issue of illegal immigration had been on the political back burner. But now it's back at the front of the stove.

When the economy suffered cardiac arrest last fall, no one seemed in the mood to talk about legalizing millions of undocumented immigrants who, it was believed, would then compete with U.S citizens for jobs. Some people still feel that way. But, for many others, the hysteria surrounding the swine flu only reinforced the need to bring some common sense to our immigration system. And the fact that President Obama has vowed to tackle the issue this year offers hope that reform is possible.

Last week, there were more immigrant marches in U.S. cities, as thousands took to the streets and demanded that Congress and the White House get back on task and fix the immigration system. We've been critical of these demonstrations in the past, warning that such glittery events are no substitute for voting. But the protests were orderly and, now that Latinos helped put Obama in office, they should turn up the heat on White House. Why are Republicans the only ones who find themselves under pressure to fix the immigration system? Democrats and their slavish adherence to organized labor, with its opposition to guest workers, have long been part of the problem. They need to step up and be part of the solution.

One person who might accept the challenge is Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., who last week presided over a Senate hearing titled: “Comprehensive Immigration Reform in 2009, Can We Do It and How?â€

When is it ever off the burner? I still get ticked because there isn't a darn thing in this whole fiasco that's about reforming anything. All it is is making a crime legal for these people.