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President Obama speaks on immigration reform in El Paso last year.
For many advocates of immigration reform, the post-election message to President Obama was not subtle: they turned out on Election Day, helped deliver a second term, and now it's Obama's turn to step up.
There's little doubt the president got the message and takes it seriously.
As soon as the confrontation over fiscal policy winds down, the Obama administration will begin an all-out drive for comprehensive immigration reform, including seeking a path to citizenship for 11 million illegal immigrants, according to officials briefed on the plans.
While key tactical decisions are still being made, President Obama wants a catch-all bill that would also bolster border security measures, ratchet up penalties for employers who hire illegal immigrants, and make it easier to bring in foreign workers under special visas, among other elements.
The blitz will reportedly start as early as January, with cabinet secretaries fanning out to "make the case for how changes in immigration laws could benefit businesses, education, healthcare and public safety."
Clarissa Martinez de Castro, director of civic engagement and immigration for the National Council of La Raza, told the L.A. Times, "It's going to be early. We are seeing it being organized to be ready."
On Capitol Hill, legislative hearings are likely to begin in late January or early February, and the White House has told congressional offices that the president will be "all in" on this issue.
What's less clear is whether that'll be enough. Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen report today that Republican establishment leaders "insist they are now very much open to a comprehensive package, including eventual citizenship for illegal immigrants," but rank-and-file congressional Republicans "remain skeptical."
The problem, apparently, is that many GOP lawmakers are well aware of the election results, the polls, and demographic trends, but can't quite get around the demands of right-wing activists who dictate so much of the Republican Party's agenda.
Many of the Republicans who would have to vote on such a package -- and then run for reelection in off-year primaries and general elections dominated by white conservatives -- aren't so sure it's such a great deal. Regardless of exit polls, demographic trends and lectures from party leaders, lawmakers know that many voters -- especially primary voters, and especially their primary voters -- hate anything that smacks of amnesty. They will hate it even more, given that the issue is likely to come up just after GOP leaders in Washington have negotiated a tax increase.
"Political consultants in Washington are panicking about Hispanics, and their solution is to grant amnesty," said a conservative GOP lawmaker, who insisted on anonymity in order to speak candidly. "They're afraid Hispanics hate Republicans, so they want more of them? It doesn't pass the laugh test. This is an important issue with the Republican base, and members are right to be worried about getting primaried."
A comprehensive legislative package wouldn't need too many Republicans to pass, especially after Democratic gains in the elections. For that matter, some prominent voices on the right -- including folks like Sean Hannity and Karl Rove -- would provide political cover for wavering GOP lawmakers.
Regardless, the question isn't what Republicans will do if this becomes a leading national issue; the question is what they'll do when this is topic #1 in the political world.
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I hope the President continues to "campaign" despite GOP complaints that he's campaigning. I hope he keeps fighting for causes that make the GOP feel uncomfortable and that we will experience the rare event when the party of the sitting president actually gains seats in Congress.
I am heartened that the "campaigning" is not just presidential speeches and photo ops outside of Washington. The much hoped for "outside game" also employs the CallTool of Obama. The Nation had an article on this, and describes what activists should be doing now to help the President press forward with his legislative goals.
Currently the Obama for America organization is focusing on the Tax deal, but the same will likely be used in push for Immigration reform.
Maybe Rachel can have Stephanie Cutter on sometime?
The GOP can either get with the program and show some ability to represent the interests of more than just white males (mostly well-off ones), or cling desperately to the lone weed that remains in the desperate hope that it will keep them from sliding over the edge of the cliff into irrelevance. Their choice, simple as that.
It's too bad that the President didn't get the message on other issues that the voters felt were important.
Start with Social Security and Medicare.
By the way. I noticed that he had a couple of business round table meetings to cater to the Wall Street types. So when is he going to have a PEOPLE meeting to talk to the PEOPLE?
Spare us the bad jokes. I'm sick and tired of alleged liberals pretending that the President plans to slash Social Security and Medicare benefits. He intends no such thing and has been pushing all along to protect them. What more does he have to do to end this silly nonsense from our side, mount both programs and start humping them in public?
Well, the media is making the point that the ball's in Obama's court now, and raising the retirement age is the thing the GOP wants. My partner's 61, and the idea of waiting an extra couple of years puts her in a bad mood, I can tell you. It's like they can't make this period of our lives more nerve racking. Between companies wanting to lay us off when we're the last to be hired, and being the age when serious health issues start... Whoever made up the term "golden years" is long dead.
We have to hope the president will find a deal we can all live with.
The Republicans will be spray tanning this tragic issue long after the Sun sets, feeding the frenzy of State Rights until all the people are molded into the winkled raisins once banned from dancing before Ronald Reagan.
2014, 2016 ... 2112 ...
The Republicans will face more than the far right primary challenges if they agree to significant immigration reform. There are many businesses that benefit from the cheap labor pool and they are not going to want the reform which could increase wages and decrease profits for businesses. If the Republicans agree to any reform it is going to be as little as possible to keep their campaign contributors happy.
the GOP is looking for that phony RUBIO to give him cover...
it will not work.
the problem is not Democrats...it's the GOP
report today that Republican establishment leaders "insist they are now very much open to a comprehensive package, including eventual citizenship for illegal immigrants," but rank-and-file congressional Republicans "remain skeptical."
Good luck with that .
I love the smell of Republican Primaries in the morning .
The "base" of lunatics and Jan Brewer types will never let it happen
I can hear the squawks and howls of amnesty as we speak.
And guess what republicans , putting Marco Rubio up in front and saying see we got one too ain't going to cut it
See: Steele , Michael
It's a win-win. If Obama campaigns on it and Republicans kill it, it will make things very interesting in the general election of 2014. The GOP voters who prove white people are lower on the evolutionary scale than amoebas will put up some serious whackjobs, and that will only bring out more Democrats to whack the whackjobs.
How about instead of amnesty each 'illegal' is required to pay a $7500 'fine' for illegally entering the US. Once this is done they can begin the process of getting a green card. Yes, thats a lot but I think if they really want to stay in the US they can find a way to come up with the amount. Just think, 11 million * $7500. We could use some of that to increase border security.
Undocumented immigrants already contribute something in the realm of $26 billion dollars a year to our economy in payroll and income taxes. Yes, they do file and pay income taxes. The IRS even has a special code to encourage them to pay, and pay they do!
Everyone already believes that and so that idea isn't right wing at all. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus also supports that.
http://gutierrez.house.gov/sites/gutierrez.house.gov/files/One%20Nation_Principles%20on%20Immigration%20Reform.pdf
Republicans will never convince anyone with half a brain that the GOP has reformed their racist habits and beliefs. All of a sudden they're saying, because they lost the election, that they have seen the light and are willing to mend their ways. What a pile of BS. The conservative heart will never accept anyone but their own kind, regardless of what they say in public.
Agreed. This and the abortion issue will keep them losing. They won't be able to leave abortion alone, and this year they awoke the sleeping dragon by pi$$ing off women. They will shoot themselves in the foot on immigration as well. The smart thing would be to have open arms for new citizens so they won't all become Democrats, but we saw how well they adapted to the "war on women" problem, and it would require a more moderate party. Like that's going to happen. :-)
Silly Steve -- it's all or nothing. There's this "Party Loyalty" thing going on, especially in the Senate, where they filibuster their own policies. Likewise, the Republican caucus in the House decides among themselves what to pass -- and that's the end of it. If there aren't enough votes to pass a bill without Democrats, it doesn't even go to the floor.
If border jumpers were voting GOP or libertarian, you guys would have a Berlin style wall in place pronto.Suddenly the honeymoon would be over.They would be deemed racist,homo-phobe,bigots unfit for citizenship.
We need a Federal Government that will enforce our immigration laws. Deport all illegal aliens, secure the border and fine anyone who hires an illegal alien. That is the law.
Both small and large businesses are entirely to blame for the illegal alien invasion, because their strong campaign money lobbyists were able to press politicians to ignore the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA). No business audit oversight to determine if illegal aliens were working around the country, inducing even more foreigners to arrive here daily in the thousands. People should wonder why the U.S. government has not only promoted it, but have remained unconcerned with insecure fence or its hundreds of miles of open easy access areas. Since the inception of these troubles, the Congress has failed to live up to their oath in protecting the American people. Things just got worse after the Reagan administration established an amnesty for the millions of illegal aliens squatting here, because of the whole procedure was a giant flop, costing the U.S. taxpayer hundreds of billions since then and the repercussions felt to this day. Time has proven that Washington legislators had no intentions of enforcing the laws; otherwise illegal entry onto United States soil would be a felony. Instead this growing problem has become almost unsolvable, as the tens of millions already here have achieved a silent goal of suffocating our country in much illiteracy and the ugliness of poverty. I watch the streets where I live and try to absorb the rising amounts of Americans jobless and without hope. Yet at the same time this administration has pandered to the illegal aliens who are here, with food stamps, welfare and other assistance programs.
EVEN HARD CORE PROGRESSIVE LIBERALS WILL SUFFOCATE UNDER A TORENTIAL RAIN OF MORE TAXES IF ANOTHER AMNESTY IS PASSED, EXCEPT FOR THE MILLIONS OF “FREELOADERS” THAT LIVE OF OTHERS AND PAY—NOTHING!
The U.S. TEA PARTY that have filtered into the Republican cliché believe that there was many shady activities governing this prior election, and states with little or no tough restrictions on voting protocols was in collusion with the Liberal wing of the Democratic Party and intentionally overlooking none citizens voting in countless numbers. However, something must be done about the illegal immigration crossing our borders or overstaying visas as visitors. When 45 percent of entries who are deliberately here for good, these unsavory people must be tracked down and repatriated to their own country. Other countries have completed this process, including Mexico and yet the political tenants in Washington have ignored this action. THESE PEOPLE ARE ILLEGAL ALIENS AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH? THE COST IS FAR BEYOND THE IMAGINATION TO SUPPORT THESE PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY WHEN OUR OWN LEGAL CITIZENS AND PERMANENT RESIDENCE WALK THE STREETS AIMLESSLY AND JOBLESS.
The American people have been led to believe by the Liberal media and our own elected officials, that the TEA PARTY has faded away, which is far from the truth and that is actually growing substantially in numbers. They are strong supporters of limited government and the liberties and freedoms of this nation. The Tea Party is also strong supporters of the “Rule of Law” which has been undermined by the Democrats and some Republicans. To restrain the illegal alien invasion is to force passage of “THE LEGAL WORKFORCE BILL” Make it law now, that essentially implements a mandatory federal E-Verify for every business and corporations. It is already voluntary but must exist as a national policy to reject illegal workers and place Americans from the jobless ranks? This will not only bring some sanity to the employment market, but discourage the illegal alien invaders from coming to this country. We need to resurrect a similar system as the “Bracero” project, to allow foreigners to come here for Agwork as in the 1940s, but in a regulated fashion and must return to their country of origin once their contract expires.
There should be limited restrictions on the highest echelon of professionals, who arrive in America as STEM workers, but only the highest category who are in possession of scientific skills, tech credentials, engineering and mathematicians’ top experience. Finally, Washington politicians must pass the “THE BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP ACT” This without a shadow of doubt is the most costly payout by the hurting taxpayers. This must be forced through the Congress for a vote. THIS IS HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OUT OF YOUR POCKET EVERY YEAR. You might ask “What the Birthright Citizenship Bill” is that has not been explored for its great need? It represents the smuggling of an unborn baby/babies into this country, so that taxpayers becomes the fairy godmother to the unknown numbers of children born to illegal alien mothers who take advantage of our generous welfare system, schooling and medical care. Once in America the parents have a solid foothold to stay here and then leech money out of all of us. Care to calculate how much money goes to pandering illegal aliens and you are way off as the Alpha Centauri constellation, a star of the southern sky. It’s a proverbial Catch 22, because it was meant to give citizenship to slaves, not just anybody who manages to slip by Border guards or bluff an immigration agent at an airline terminal. The people must speak up and demand a simple amendment to the 14th amendment, and thereby halting this travesty of our laws.
EVEN IF CONGRESS MANAGES TO PASS ANOTHER AMNESTY, ANOTHER PATH TO CITIZENSHIP, IT DOESN'T”T STOP MILLIONS OF MORE POVERTY STRICKEN PEOPLE FROM PILING PAST OUR UNDERMANNED, UNDER EQUIPPED BORDER? IT ISN”T GOING TO STOP PEOPLE COMING HERE WITH CONCEALED PREGNANCIES TO HAVE THEIR BABIES HERE AND BECOME YET ANOTHER FINANCIAL LIABILITY FOR THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER?
THE BIG LIE.
Now that “the end of the world” sequel has ended and the truth of the Mayan “end of days” is nothing but a falsehood, we need to get back to the business of this country hitting rock bottom. Let’s begin by exploiting the oil, natural gas and clean coal and open the huge of offshore and inland deposits. In the last two decades there have been numerous safety and environmental innovations, so there is no excuse for not using these resources. With so much fossil fuel available is there some ominous explanation why we are not using our own petroleum and selling residual amounts to friendly foreign countries. Could it be that some of our politicians are paid handsomely by Arab nations, to keep using their deposits, instead of our own?
Then we have illegal immigration which the two parties are obligated to cure when the cost and financial support is out-the-window. It’s amazing that the LEGAL WORKFORCE BILL & THE BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP BILL that could eradicate illegal aliens entering America, if both laws were imposed? These laws sit on Senator Reid of Nevada desk or GOP leader John Boehner and NOT being voted on to stop this never ending recital that is a massive impossible monetary pressure on the taxpayers. This immigration problem has been created by the Democrats mostly and the Republicans over many years. The American people should speak up and demand no more compromises and tell Congress, “Do your job and do it now?” Command the legislators to pass illegal entry as a felony and watch the numbers of foreign nationals drop off.
BUILD THE REAL 2006 SECURE FENCE AND END ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. ALL THE HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WE SAVE, COULD CONSTRUCT A MAGNIFICENT FENCE 20 FOOT HIGH AND SINK THE SUPPORTS 30 FOOT DOWN. IF A REAL BORDER FENCE OCCUPIES THE DEMARCATION LINE BETWEEN THESE UNITED STATES AND THE OTHER AMERICA. WE COULD STOP THE POVERTY WE INHERIT FROM FORIGN COUNTRIES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE.
Have you ever noticed that on TV on the computers, magazines they always show the border fence as stretching into the distance? But the truth is that hundreds of miles have no barrier, no fence, unless you want to call some pre-war rusty barbed wire a FENCE? Why do you think that many landowners live in fear every day, because the drug dealers, skin peddlers’ and illegal aliens are dangerous? Between sectors there are no barriers, nothing to end this invasion. If that wasn’t enough over 46 percent of illegal immigrants or as the “open border” nuts describe “Visa overstays. They disappear once here as there is no WAY TO TRACK THESE PEOPLE WHO COME HERE WITH THE EXPRESS REASON OF NOT GOING HOME.
Not only is illegal immigration a major flaw to our downsizing economy, but when the IRS literary ignores illegal aliens stealing over an estimated 7 billion dollars this fiscal year in child tax credits, then these lawmakers are failing to protect America and should be dumped. The TEA PARTY LEADERSHIP has not been corrupted yet by the K Street lobbyists and is enduring because they have the backing of 41 million ordinary citizens. If the American Public doesn’t speak up soon, we will fail ourselves by allowing the essence of the socialism to sink this country. We can already recognize this, by the Obama huge giveaway of food stamps for all with no restrictions, free cell phones and a large chunk of welfare that the Spongers enjoy, whether illegal aliens, citizen-Americans or legal residents.
THIS ADMINISTRATION OR WASHINGTON HAS LIED SO MUCH, WHICH LATELY INCLUDES “THE FAST & FURIOUS” Gun running scandal into Mexico and the “BENGHAZI-GATE” where four brave souls were confronted by armed Al-Qaeda armed affiliates and slaughtered, under very suspicious circumstances and with many questions remaining to be answered?
THESE ARE JUST TWO PROBLEMS THAT COULD BE RESOLVED, IF ONLY THIS COUNTRY WAS NOT BROUGHT AND SOLD BY SPECIAL INTEREST ENTITIES.