Thread: Schumer delays release of immigration reform

San Diego Union-Tribune Editorial

Let the debate begin

Schumer delays release of immigration reform

October 5, 2009

There are incontrovertible truths in the interplay between Congress and the White House over immigration reform.

First, with a struggling economy, two wars and the health care debate, President Barack Obama already has more than enough on his plate. So few Americans would fault him if he didn't take on another major legislative battle until after next year's midterm elections — especially if they're emotional and divisive, as is immigration reform.

It's also true that Obama promised comprehensive immigration reform and the longer he waits to get the ball rolling, the steeper the climb. There is simply no brand of political math by which it becomes easier to get legislation through after the midterm elections than it would have been before if Democrats lose seats in Congress next year.

Finally, it's also true that, absent action by the White House, Congress must lead by preparing legislation that Obama could sign. Many lawmakers lament the broken immigration system, and this is their chance to do something about it. There's no point in waiting for the White House — especially since it is the job of Congress to pass laws anyway.

But is Congress up to the task? It has a horrible record in dealing with the immigration issue. Republicans spend all their time blustering and stoking fears. And Democrats are willing to unravel an immigration deal if any part of it is unacceptable to organized labor.

As chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security, Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York promised last spring to have immigration reform legislation ready to go by Labor Day. The holiday came and went, and still nothing from Schumer even though he had spelled out in the speech exactly what would be in the bill.

The writing of the actual legislation is obviously all done. That means the delay is political. It's possible that the White House asked Schumer to hold off on dropping the bill until after the health care debate. Or maybe he made that decision on his own. Either way, Schumer needs to keep his promise and move on this issue right away.

Americans need immigration reform. But first Congress needs a bill. Let's have it.

http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/ ... ?uniontrib

Just enforce all of our immigration laws.

That would be real reform.

They just blinked

http://schumer.senate.gov/new_website/contact.cfm

contact info with phone numbers of all NY State offices

"And Democrats are willing to unravel an immigration deal if any part of it is unacceptable to organized labor."

What? The organized labor I am aware of is always pushing hard for "immigration reform." At least the leaders are. There are a few unions within the AFL CIO that take a position against it---usually the highly skilled metal trades--but the AFL CIO and the more radical Change to Win have adopted illegal aliens as a pet project to get more members. Something I don't know?

We need to rally to get rid of Janet Napolitano...she is in effect giving de facto amnesty right now...this worthless piece of crap is refusing to enforce our immigration laws.

Basically right now if you get across the border, over stay your visa and did not commit murder, Janet will not bother or deport you!! ID theft, driving w/o a license, working illegally in this country, drunk driving etc. are crimes Janet does not see as crimes, you are home free, Janet will not bother or deport you, you are above the law...

We are a Nation in chaos and anarchy and it has to be stopped, they speak of the rule of law everyday, how important it is and yet ignore it when 30 million illegal aliens invade our country and in danger our sovereignty.

Janet is incompetent and has to gooooo!!!!!

Americans need immigration reform. But first Congress needs a bill. Let's have it.

Americans DO NOT need immigration reform. Congress doesnt need a bill either. Lawmakers need to ENFORCE THE LAWS aleady in place.