National Immigration Reform: Are We at A Standstill?

by Jennifer Scott

Less than one week after setting out principles and pledging to move towards national immigration reform, House Speaker John Boehner (R) has announced that any major reform is unlikely to happen this year due to lack of trust: “There’s widespread doubt about whether this administration can be trusted to enforce our laws. And it’s going to be difficult to move any immigration legislation until that changes.”

Author Laura Murray-Tjan suggests confusion regarding immigration law interpretation may also impede reform:

“…even the most erudite among us have difficulty navigating the Immigration and Nationality Act. This could be seen as an argument in support of comprehensive immigration reform, but I fear that our angry and polarized Congress would create an even more comprehensive mess. So be careful what you wish for. A hasty back and forth of ill-conceived provisions could lead to even more confusion and human misery – not to mention more costly, messy litigation.”

Immigrant Advocate Response

In reaction to the immigration reform stalemate, advocates are vowing to put on the pressure. Their goal: to shame Republicans in swing districts into taking up the issue — or make them pay at the ballot box in November.

Halting Deportations

House Democrats and immigration advocates are also calling for a suspension of deportations until legislation passes that allow undocumented immigrants to gain legal status. Although almost two million immigrants have been deported under President Barack Obama, USA News recently reported that deportations have decreased in 2014 so far.

What’s happening this week locally with Immigration?

In Fremont, Nebraska, residents voted to uphold an ordinance requiring renters to produce permits that attest to their legal status as residents.

At the same time in New York City, new Mayor Bill de Blasio proposed a plan for Municipal ID cards for New York residents despite their immigration status. His plan could help up to 500,000 undocumented New Yorkers. Serving as proof of identification, these ID cards would allow people to “open bank accounts, lease apartments and even file police reports.”

Love and Immigration

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, let’s end on the topic of love with this Huffington Post article, “Immigrant Love Story: Separated Couple Awaits Immigration Law Change.”