Congress has an opportunity to debate and vote on immigration reform, an issue that has been relegated to the backburner for many years despite its importance to the economy and for millions of people who live and work in the shadows. Unfortunately, the moment is not being seized.
In an interview with La Opinion, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said she has hopes that reform would happen this year, without offering anymore details. This statement is as disappointing as were the words of President Obama in his State of the Union message to Congress. The time for empty words is over.
For many years, Republican intransigence was responsible for blocking comprehensive and fair immigration reform. Now the White House and Congress are in the hands of Democrats and the stalemate continues. House and Senate leadership are responsible for failing to place immigration reform on the agenda, and for failing to influence their ranks so that legislation is brought forward for consideration.
In the House, proposed bills are awaiting an airing, while the Senate continues to hold back the bill sponsored by Senators Charles Schumer and Lindsey Graham in the hopes of securing more Republican backing. The process must be accelerated.
Pressure should be brought to bear on the negotiations in the House so that a bill with sufficient support can come forward. Meanwhile, in the Senate still the details of the Schumer proposal are not even known publicly.
The times demand inclusion of immigration reform in the legislative agenda. This cannot be put off any longer. Nothing has been was done for the past year and the space to do so is rapidly shrinking as mid-term elections approach.
Campaign promises win supporters and build hopes. The proclaimed commitment to immigration reform secured key votes to win the election. The dreams of millions of working people were awakened. Now Congress must do its part.
Congress has an opportunity to debate and vote on immigration reform, an issue that has been relegated to the backburner for many years despite its importance to the economy and for millions of people who live and work in the shadows. Unfortunately, the moment is not being seized.
In an interview with La Opinion, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi said she has hopes that reform would happen this year, without offering anymore details. This statement is as disappointing as were the words of President Obama in his State of the Union message to Congress. The time for empty words is over.
For many years, Republican intransigence was responsible for blocking comprehensive and fair immigration reform. Now the White House and Congress are in the hands of Democrats and the stalemate continues. House and Senate leadership are responsible for failing to place immigration reform on the agenda, and for failing to influence their ranks so that legislation is brought forward for consideration.
In the House, proposed bills are awaiting an airing, while the Senate continues to hold back the bill sponsored by Senators Charles Schumer and Lindsey Graham in the hopes of securing more Republican backing. The process must be accelerated.
Pressure should be brought to bear on the negotiations in the House so that a bill with sufficient support can come forward. Meanwhile, in the Senate still the details of the Schumer proposal are not even known publicly.
The times demand inclusion of immigration reform in the legislative agenda. This cannot be put off any longer. Nothing has been was done for the past year and the space to do so is rapidly shrinking as mid-term elections approach.
