The Future of Immigration Reform: When Will There Be Real Political Leadership?

 
These are exciting times for students of U.S. immigration law and policy. Scholars from across the political spectrum have identified a myriad of problems with the current immigration system, too much enforcement, too little enforcement; too much immigration, too little immigration, etc.

At the same moment, politicians and the public are making noises about immigration reform. And we have a President who has expressed support for immigration reform. There is a House bill on the table (CIR ASAP). Moreover, a bipartisan pair of Senators have offered a blueprint for immigration reform.

Rumors about what might happen next abound. Some say that immigration reform won’t be this year. It won’t be next year. It will be an issue put off until the second term of the Obama administration (which is just what happened in the last administration). Others say – often vociferously – that it is now or never.

The question is whether someone can pull the trigger and start the ball rolling – and keep things moving — on immigration reform happen. Some are working behind the scenes trying to make things happen. But the nation needs political leadership from the top. Mr. President, is help really on the way?

KJ