Thread: Immigration reform facing long odds

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Immigration reform facing long odds

By GARY MARTIN
Washington Bureau
Dec. 28, 2009, 9:29PM

WASHINGTON — Immigration reform is increasingly looking like a political albatross that could hurt Democrats in the 2010 midterm elections whether President Obama succeeds or fails in overhauling today's widely disliked system.

After postponing action for a year because of the national economic crisis and a drawn-out debate over health reform, President Obama is being pushed by advocates of comprehensive reform to fulfill the campaign promise he made in 2008.

But a 2010 reform push faces daunting political challenges like solid Republican opposition to key provisions and division among Democrats over both strategy and substance. Democrats facing tough re-election battles in states from Arkansas to North Dakota will be hard-pressed to vote to legalize the status of unauthorized immigrants during an economic downturn.

On the other hand, continuing inaction on the issue could alienate crucial Hispanic voters who helped deliver the White House to Democrats last year. And that could cost Democrats swing congressional seats in Nevada, New Mexico and even Texas.

Latino civil rights groups are pushing the White House to move quickly and aggressively, arguing that a promise is a promise.

“After being on our national agenda for a decade, comprehensive immigration reform's time has come,â€

Latino civil rights groups are pushing the White House to move quickly and aggressively, arguing that a promise is a promise.
Funny those folks haven't figured out yet that a promise only means something when the political winds blow in that direction.

after paying a $500 fine, learning English and passing background checks, could gain citizenship.

Oh they'll pay the $500 but won't learn English and background checks for 20 million people (with multiple alias's) would take 20 years so you KNOW that would just be a joke. A JOKE ON US!

[quote]“I think a country that's strong really should be able to produce its own food, but you can't do it with domestic labor, and that's just a fact,â€

On the other hand, continuing inaction on the issue could alienate crucial Hispanic voters

Hellloooo, just who are they going to vote for? a Republican, I really doubt it!

[quote="SicNTiredInSoCal"][quote]“I think a country that's strong really should be able to produce its own food, but you can't do it with domestic labor, and that's just a fact,â€