Immigration Reform Update:
Reform in 2014 in Limbo
(Article from Bread for the World)
Demonstrators gathered at immigration reform rally
in Los Angeles on Feb. 22, 2014. (Ricardo Moreno)
The prospects for immigration reform in 2014 were diminished in recent days when House Speaker John Boehner questioned whether an immigration bill could pass the House, due to Republicans' "widespread doubt about whether this administration can be trusted to enforce our laws." Rep. Boehner added, "It's going to be difficult to move any immigration legislation until that changes."
After raising advocates' hopes for reform this year with the release of House Republican principles for reform, Rep. Boehner's comments put the short-term viability of immigration reform in limbo. Still, advocates continue to push for reform, both with Congress and the administration. Boehner's apparent call for delaying immigration reform hasn't prevented other Republican leaders and constituencies at the local, state, and national levels to continue to push for updating the nation's outdated immigration system.
During a meeting with the National Governors' Association in Washington, D.C., Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said, "I'm a Republican and I'm happy to help lead the charge to say, 'Let's embrace immigration.'" Snyder described himself as being "probably among the most pro-immigration governors in the country."
In Congress, many of Boehner's colleagues, including Republican Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart are reportedly working on legislation that will meet a majority of Republican representatives' doubts regarding enforcing immigration provisions. Rep. Diaz-Balart also said it would meet many Democratic congressional members' requirements. "Can you draft legislation that has serious border and interior security, with sufficient leverage to force this or future administrations?" Rep. Diaz-Balart said. "I think we have drafted a way to actually do that."
Major Republican constituencies have also stepped up their pressure on Congress to bring immigration reform legislation to the House floor this year. U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas J. Donohue re-emphasized the economic need for immigration stating, "The case for immigration reform is clear. The need is undeniable. The time is now." Donohue's statement was followed by a multi-industry letter on immigration reform signed by 636 businesses. "Failure to act is not an option," the letter stated.
Faith-based groups across the political spectrum also continue to lead the push for reform. Catholic and evangelical Christian leaders united to urge Congress "to move forward and create a new immigration process." Leaders participating in the call urging Congress to act included National Association of Evangelicals President Leith Anderson, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference Rev. Sam Rodriguez, and Catholic Archbishop Thomas Wenski.
Bread for the World continues to partner with the broad spectrum of faith-based groups in pushing for reform. Bread for the World Institute's research on the economic impact of immigration is also impacting how immigration is viewed in economic terms. In February, the Detroit News published on op-ed by the Institute on the potential of immigration to help fuel the city's revitalization.
...............................................................................................................
Christian Churches Together commits
to advocate against Mass Incarceration
CCT Renews its commitment
to make hunger and extreme poverty history
|