Border Trade Alliance

For more than 18 months the issue of comprehensive immigration reform has shadowed Congress. Last year, a Republican-controlled House and Senate reached an impasse on the matter, with the Senate approving a wide-ranging immigration reform bill and the House responding by passing stricter immigration and border security measures, including the now infamous “border fence” that ultimately was enacted into law. The election of last fall brought change to both houses of Congress and along with that the perception there would be a greater opportunity to pass comprehensive immigration legislation during the 110th Congress.

Despite these earlier signs of optimism, conditions thus far in the 110th Congress indicate that comprehensive immigration reform will be no easier to achieve this year. The House has let the Senate take the lead on moving forward with immigration legislation. Rather than bring a bill favored by the majority party to the floor, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has tasked Senators from both parties to develop a bi-partisan reform bill that could be brought to the floor prior to Memorial Day, a deadline that is quickly approaching.

While this approach is commendable, any negotiations, bi-partisan or otherwise, carried on behind closed doors do not apply the same pressure on lawmakers to reach a compromise. It will become apparent within the next week whether Congress will tackle comprehensive immigration reform this year or save the issue for an election year.

Share this post