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| Obama's immigration reform plan: the verdict | |
| (about 14 hours later) | |
| Matt Adams: 'The path to citizenship will be unreasonably prolonged and subject to manipulation' | Matt Adams: 'The path to citizenship will be unreasonably prolonged and subject to manipulation' |
| It's encouraging that President Obama and the bipartisan group of senators have called for a path to citizenship for undocumented persons living in our communities. It's time for the political process to create stability for the millions of people who support the US economy, particularly since they're so vulnerable to abuse and exploitation because of their lack of immigration status. | It's encouraging that President Obama and the bipartisan group of senators have called for a path to citizenship for undocumented persons living in our communities. It's time for the political process to create stability for the millions of people who support the US economy, particularly since they're so vulnerable to abuse and exploitation because of their lack of immigration status. |
| I am deeply concerned, though, that the potential path to citizenship will be unreasonably prolonged and subject to manipulation for political gain. One of the most troubling aspects of the Senate framework is the idea that much will be contingent upon a commission – and this commission will be comprised of governors and other politicians from the south-west border states who will be handed the authority to verify that "the bill's security measures" are completed. | I am deeply concerned, though, that the potential path to citizenship will be unreasonably prolonged and subject to manipulation for political gain. One of the most troubling aspects of the Senate framework is the idea that much will be contingent upon a commission – and this commission will be comprised of governors and other politicians from the south-west border states who will be handed the authority to verify that "the bill's security measures" are completed. |
| In addition, the idea that undocumented workers must wait to pursue permanent residence until all individuals currently awaiting visas have been processed may well lead to indefinite delays. The legal channels of migration must be broadened significantly: some family members of US citizens have been on waiting lists for over 23 years. | In addition, the idea that undocumented workers must wait to pursue permanent residence until all individuals currently awaiting visas have been processed may well lead to indefinite delays. The legal channels of migration must be broadened significantly: some family members of US citizens have been on waiting lists for over 23 years. |
| I am also troubled by the emphasis on expanding the presence of the border patrol. Here, in Washington State, we have seen a tenfold increase in the number of border patrol agents in the last seven years. One of the negative repercussions is the way this dramatic increase of resources to the border patrol contributes to racial profiling by both border agents and local law enforcement. | I am also troubled by the emphasis on expanding the presence of the border patrol. Here, in Washington State, we have seen a tenfold increase in the number of border patrol agents in the last seven years. One of the negative repercussions is the way this dramatic increase of resources to the border patrol contributes to racial profiling by both border agents and local law enforcement. |
| It is encouraging that various politicians have spoken of the need to address racial profiling, but it will remain a tense issue. | It is encouraging that various politicians have spoken of the need to address racial profiling, but it will remain a tense issue. |
| Matt Adams is legal director for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project | Matt Adams is legal director for the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project |
| Rachel Alexander: 'Republicans desperate to woo Hispanics are giving too much ground' | Rachel Alexander: 'Republicans desperate to woo Hispanics are giving too much ground' |
| The new immigration reform bill being touted by Senator Marco Rubio (Republican, Florida) and the "Gang of Eight" senators – mostly liberal Democrats and liberal Republicans – is little different than past immigration reform bills. It contains the same contradictory positions: toughen up border security while making it easier for illegal immigrants to remain in the US. | The new immigration reform bill being touted by Senator Marco Rubio (Republican, Florida) and the "Gang of Eight" senators – mostly liberal Democrats and liberal Republicans – is little different than past immigration reform bills. It contains the same contradictory positions: toughen up border security while making it easier for illegal immigrants to remain in the US. |
| Republicans are smarting from losing the presidential race and scrambling to find votes in new constituencies. Hispanics are the fastest-growing demographic of the electorate. An increasing number of Republicans now believe the GOP can regain ground with Hispanics by taking a softer approach toward immigration. | Republicans are smarting from losing the presidential race and scrambling to find votes in new constituencies. Hispanics are the fastest-growing demographic of the electorate. An increasing number of Republicans now believe the GOP can regain ground with Hispanics by taking a softer approach toward immigration. |
| Even Fox News' Lou Dobbs, who has generally taken a tough approach to illegal immigration, has praised the bill. Conservative commentators Sean Hannity and Charles Krauthammer also support it. | Even Fox News' Lou Dobbs, who has generally taken a tough approach to illegal immigration, has praised the bill. Conservative commentators Sean Hannity and Charles Krauthammer also support it. |
| Unfortunately, Republicans are so desperate to try and woo the Hispanic constituency that they gave the Democrats too much ground. There is a path to residency and citizenship that requires fines, back taxes, a criminal background check, and waiting in line after those who came legally. But the legislation is drafted so weakly, it is unlikely full enforcement will ever take place. | Unfortunately, Republicans are so desperate to try and woo the Hispanic constituency that they gave the Democrats too much ground. There is a path to residency and citizenship that requires fines, back taxes, a criminal background check, and waiting in line after those who came legally. But the legislation is drafted so weakly, it is unlikely full enforcement will ever take place. |
| This could be a repeat of another congressional immigration overhaul: the 1986 Immigration and Reform Control Act produced so much fraud that nearly triple the number of people authorized by the law became new residents. | This could be a repeat of another congressional immigration overhaul: the 1986 Immigration and Reform Control Act produced so much fraud that nearly triple the number of people authorized by the law became new residents. |
| The bill does little to address one of the fundamental flaws with our immigration policy: chain migration. There is a very broad definition of family that accounts for nearly 70% of legal immigrants, crowding out work-based immigration which would bring more immigrants with education and skills. Libertarian litigator Clint Bolick and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush have co-authored a book coming out in six weeks, Immigration Wars, which provides far better solutions for solving America's broken immigration policy. | The bill does little to address one of the fundamental flaws with our immigration policy: chain migration. There is a very broad definition of family that accounts for nearly 70% of legal immigrants, crowding out work-based immigration which would bring more immigrants with education and skills. Libertarian litigator Clint Bolick and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush have co-authored a book coming out in six weeks, Immigration Wars, which provides far better solutions for solving America's broken immigration policy. |
| The Republican-controlled House is less likely to pass this bill. Maybe, by the time it reaches the House, some better concepts will make it into the bill. | The Republican-controlled House is less likely to pass this bill. Maybe, by the time it reaches the House, some better concepts will make it into the bill. |
| Rachel Alexander is an attorney and the editor of Intellectual Conservative | Rachel Alexander is an attorney and the editor of Intellectual Conservative |
| James Antle: 'For Republicans, this is a classic "heads I win, tails you lose" issue' | James Antle: 'For Republicans, this is a classic "heads I win, tails you lose" issue' |
| The president issued Congress an ultimatum: craft an immigration reform bill or I will send you mine. That was more or less Barack Obama's message on comprehensive immigration reform. | The president issued Congress an ultimatum: craft an immigration reform bill or I will send you mine. That was more or less Barack Obama's message on comprehensive immigration reform. |
| That's not to say he doesn't have policy preferences on the issue, some of which jibe with the "Gang of Eight" Senate framework for overhauling US immigration laws: more border security, some form of employment verification, a provisional legal status for illegal immigrants already here who meet certain conditions, followed by some kind of path to citizenship that doesn't allow "cutting in line" ahead of legal immigrants. And, of course, many more legal immigrants. | That's not to say he doesn't have policy preferences on the issue, some of which jibe with the "Gang of Eight" Senate framework for overhauling US immigration laws: more border security, some form of employment verification, a provisional legal status for illegal immigrants already here who meet certain conditions, followed by some kind of path to citizenship that doesn't allow "cutting in line" ahead of legal immigrants. And, of course, many more legal immigrants. |
| But there is a reason the Gang of Eight spoke first: it is a bipartisan working group, albeit composed of people who support the comprehensive approach before, plus Marco Rubio. These senators sense an opening among Republicans, even in the House, based on their fears of losing the Hispanic vote forever. They can't afford to have the bill pulled too far to the left or let that window close. Why take the chance that Obama would throw a wrench in the works or become overly combative toward the GOP? | But there is a reason the Gang of Eight spoke first: it is a bipartisan working group, albeit composed of people who support the comprehensive approach before, plus Marco Rubio. These senators sense an opening among Republicans, even in the House, based on their fears of losing the Hispanic vote forever. They can't afford to have the bill pulled too far to the left or let that window close. Why take the chance that Obama would throw a wrench in the works or become overly combative toward the GOP? |
| The differences between the ideas currently being discussed and the legislation Congress has repeatedly defeated in recent years are minor. The biggest substantive distinction is that the path to citizenship is more arduous. | The differences between the ideas currently being discussed and the legislation Congress has repeatedly defeated in recent years are minor. The biggest substantive distinction is that the path to citizenship is more arduous. |
| The biggest political difference is that conservative talk radio has warmed to the idea, partly because of Rubio's involvement – the Floridian is a conservative favorite – and partly because they share their party's concerns about demographic shifts moving the country to the left. | The biggest political difference is that conservative talk radio has warmed to the idea, partly because of Rubio's involvement – the Floridian is a conservative favorite – and partly because they share their party's concerns about demographic shifts moving the country to the left. |
| For Republicans, this is a classic "heads I win, tails you lose" issue. If they vote against a bipartisan bill, it will probably confirm many Hispanics' suspicions that the party is hostile to them. If they vote for it, the policy will probably just lead to a larger number of Democratic voters. As long as Hispanic Americans remain poorer than the average American, they will be to the left of the median American voter politically. | For Republicans, this is a classic "heads I win, tails you lose" issue. If they vote against a bipartisan bill, it will probably confirm many Hispanics' suspicions that the party is hostile to them. If they vote for it, the policy will probably just lead to a larger number of Democratic voters. As long as Hispanic Americans remain poorer than the average American, they will be to the left of the median American voter politically. |
| For Democrats, the challenge is holding together a fractious coalition of labor unions, business groups, and ethnic lobbies that favor comprehensive immigration reform broadly, but have deep disagreements about whether to favor skill-based immigration, family reunification, guest workers, etc. | For Democrats, the challenge is holding together a fractious coalition of labor unions, business groups, and ethnic lobbies that favor comprehensive immigration reform broadly, but have deep disagreements about whether to favor skill-based immigration, family reunification, guest workers, etc. |
| Will comprehensive immigration reform work? | Will comprehensive immigration reform work? |
| The eagerness to avoid giving illegal immigrants a speedy path to citizenship could create a heavily Hispanic disenfranchised class – this time, by design rather than by accident. The conditions attached to legalization also suppose a level of competence the federal government, especially its overburdened immigration bureaucrats, have yet to display. | The eagerness to avoid giving illegal immigrants a speedy path to citizenship could create a heavily Hispanic disenfranchised class – this time, by design rather than by accident. The conditions attached to legalization also suppose a level of competence the federal government, especially its overburdened immigration bureaucrats, have yet to display. |
| But that will be a problem for some president and Congress 25 years from now. | But that will be a problem for some president and Congress 25 years from now. |
| James Antle is editor of the Daily Caller News Foundation and a senior editor at the American Spectator | James Antle is editor of the Daily Caller News Foundation and a senior editor at the American Spectator |
| Michael Cohen: 'Threatening to send his own bill to Congress, Obama has upped the ante' | Michael Cohen: 'Threatening to send his own bill to Congress, Obama has upped the ante' |
| Once upon a time, in the not-too-distant past, social issues were the bane of the modern Democratic party. Whether it was the death penalty, gay marriage, crime, flag-burning (seriously), guns, abortion or illegal immigration, these were often the concerns that bedeviled national Democrats – and drove a wedge between their national constituents on the left and more persuadable voters in the middle. | Once upon a time, in the not-too-distant past, social issues were the bane of the modern Democratic party. Whether it was the death penalty, gay marriage, crime, flag-burning (seriously), guns, abortion or illegal immigration, these were often the concerns that bedeviled national Democrats – and drove a wedge between their national constituents on the left and more persuadable voters in the middle. |
| My, how times have changed. Tuesday, in Las Vegas, President Obama laid out his plan for immigration reform, and he does so at a position of unique, almost unparalleled strength on the issue. | My, how times have changed. Tuesday, in Las Vegas, President Obama laid out his plan for immigration reform, and he does so at a position of unique, almost unparalleled strength on the issue. |
| Whatever the outcome of his latest legislative initiative Obama is practically guaranteed a political victory. If a bill passes, he and the Democratic party will be a hero to millions of Latino voters – while preparing to welcome in millions more new likely Democratic voters after they achieve citizenship. | Whatever the outcome of his latest legislative initiative Obama is practically guaranteed a political victory. If a bill passes, he and the Democratic party will be a hero to millions of Latino voters – while preparing to welcome in millions more new likely Democratic voters after they achieve citizenship. |
| What if things fall apart? Here again, Obama and Democrat stand to gain: if Congress is unable to pass a bill, it will almost certainly be because Republicans have stopped it. Hispanics, who already vote overwhelmingly for Democrats, will be even more empowered to do so – and that will probably put states like Arizona, Texas and Georgia, which all have large Hispanic communities, into play. | What if things fall apart? Here again, Obama and Democrat stand to gain: if Congress is unable to pass a bill, it will almost certainly be because Republicans have stopped it. Hispanics, who already vote overwhelmingly for Democrats, will be even more empowered to do so – and that will probably put states like Arizona, Texas and Georgia, which all have large Hispanic communities, into play. |
| Moreover, aside from currying favor with the nativist wing of the Republican party, the GOP has little to gain politically from opposing a bill. Today, more than six in ten Americans (and half of all Republicans) support giving illegal immigrants a path to citizenship. Stopping immigration reform will only add to the toxic public image of Republicans as national scolds. | Moreover, aside from currying favor with the nativist wing of the Republican party, the GOP has little to gain politically from opposing a bill. Today, more than six in ten Americans (and half of all Republicans) support giving illegal immigrants a path to citizenship. Stopping immigration reform will only add to the toxic public image of Republicans as national scolds. |
| Indeed, Obama's speech – which talked about the emerging bipartisan effort in the Senate – was clearly focused on placing the blame on Republicans if a bill fails. By threatening to send his own bill to Congress, Obama has upped the ante further, increasing the pressure on Republicans to adopt a bill that meets his key requirements. | Indeed, Obama's speech – which talked about the emerging bipartisan effort in the Senate – was clearly focused on placing the blame on Republicans if a bill fails. By threatening to send his own bill to Congress, Obama has upped the ante further, increasing the pressure on Republicans to adopt a bill that meets his key requirements. |
| The bottom line is that this is one issue on which Obama can't lose: either he gets 11 million new Democrats, or he has an issue on which to bludgeon Republicans politically. | The bottom line is that this is one issue on which Obama can't lose: either he gets 11 million new Democrats, or he has an issue on which to bludgeon Republicans politically. |
| But increasingly, this appears to be the new normal on social issues. Public opinion shows strong backing for key elements of Obama's gun control initiative, as well as growing national support for abortion and gay marriage. This is a far cry from a few years ago when Democrats ran away from these issues and the groups that supported them. | But increasingly, this appears to be the new normal on social issues. Public opinion shows strong backing for key elements of Obama's gun control initiative, as well as growing national support for abortion and gay marriage. This is a far cry from a few years ago when Democrats ran away from these issues and the groups that supported them. |
| In short, the "wedge issue" may be no more for Democrats. For Republicans, welcome to your future. | In short, the "wedge issue" may be no more for Democrats. For Republicans, welcome to your future. |
| Michael Cohen is a US political columnist for the Guardian and Observer | Michael Cohen is a US political columnist for the Guardian and Observer |
| Ana Marie Cox: 'We saw rhetorical flourish and a pointed attitude' | Ana Marie Cox: 'We saw rhetorical flourish and a pointed attitude' |
| The giddiness of Obama's November victory vanished rather quickly. Since December, we've been in a political season that's demanded a public posture centered on regret, sorrow, and disappointment – so it was refreshing to see Campaign Obama (complete with swagger) come out Tuesday. | The giddiness of Obama's November victory vanished rather quickly. Since December, we've been in a political season that's demanded a public posture centered on regret, sorrow, and disappointment – so it was refreshing to see Campaign Obama (complete with swagger) come out Tuesday. |
| Until now, he's been hauled out mostly for light-hearted appearances – such as this one with the Miami Heat last week. This afternoon, we saw the president sinking threes in the political arena with rhetorical flourish and a pointed attitude. | Until now, he's been hauled out mostly for light-hearted appearances – such as this one with the Miami Heat last week. This afternoon, we saw the president sinking threes in the political arena with rhetorical flourish and a pointed attitude. |
| He said that he was moving forward on immigration reform because we now have a "foundation for bipartisan action". But what he meant was "you guys lost." | He said that he was moving forward on immigration reform because we now have a "foundation for bipartisan action". But what he meant was "you guys lost." |
| So much for the theory that Obama would take a back seat on immigration in order to deny Republicans a villain in the debate. | So much for the theory that Obama would take a back seat on immigration in order to deny Republicans a villain in the debate. |
| He isn't just driving this bus, he's put his name on it, installed a loudspeaker, and is driving it over Congress's yard. The message is equally emphatic: "if Congress is unable to act in a timely fashion" on immigration, "I will send up a bill based on my proposal and insist that they vote on it right away." | He isn't just driving this bus, he's put his name on it, installed a loudspeaker, and is driving it over Congress's yard. The message is equally emphatic: "if Congress is unable to act in a timely fashion" on immigration, "I will send up a bill based on my proposal and insist that they vote on it right away." |
| This is stronger language and a more concrete threat than the White House has made on any other recent issue, including gun control. And that is mostly because in other cases, such as guns, the White House has simply used executive action, rather than fight for specific legislation. | This is stronger language and a more concrete threat than the White House has made on any other recent issue, including gun control. And that is mostly because in other cases, such as guns, the White House has simply used executive action, rather than fight for specific legislation. |
| Why the bluster? Maybe because the administration thinks it can win – or, more cynically (but just as likely), because the spectacle the Republicans will put on in fighting the president will be incredibly, upsettingly, voter-losingly ugly. | Why the bluster? Maybe because the administration thinks it can win – or, more cynically (but just as likely), because the spectacle the Republicans will put on in fighting the president will be incredibly, upsettingly, voter-losingly ugly. |
| Sort of like last fall. No wonder Campaign Obama is back. | Sort of like last fall. No wonder Campaign Obama is back. |
| Ana Marie Cox is political columnist for the Guardian US | Ana Marie Cox is political columnist for the Guardian US |
| Sarahi Uribe: 'This president already deports immigrants at a record-breaking rate' | Sarahi Uribe: 'This president already deports immigrants at a record-breaking rate' |
| I couldn't help but feel deeply disappointed by the president's speech on immigration reform Tuesday. Obama's words were substantively no different from speeches he gave on the topic four years ago. | I couldn't help but feel deeply disappointed by the president's speech on immigration reform Tuesday. Obama's words were substantively no different from speeches he gave on the topic four years ago. |
| The president outlined his major principles, which include a pathway to citizenship for the nearly 11 million undocumented residents. At the same time, he expressed himself committed to increasing harsh immigration enforcement policies at workplaces, on the border, and in communities across the nation. | The president outlined his major principles, which include a pathway to citizenship for the nearly 11 million undocumented residents. At the same time, he expressed himself committed to increasing harsh immigration enforcement policies at workplaces, on the border, and in communities across the nation. |
| The problem is that this is not 2009. Before the president and congressional leaders regurgitate any more dated talking points about the need for increased "smart enforcement" and "border security", I urge them to look at the facts. While Congress failed to provide a pathway to legalization for millions during the president's first term, his administration surpassed every immigration enforcement measure. | The problem is that this is not 2009. Before the president and congressional leaders regurgitate any more dated talking points about the need for increased "smart enforcement" and "border security", I urge them to look at the facts. While Congress failed to provide a pathway to legalization for millions during the president's first term, his administration surpassed every immigration enforcement measure. |
| This Democratic president already deports immigrants at a record-breaking rate, the federal government spends more on immigration enforcement than all other federal criminal law enforcement initiatives combined, and the border has become so heavily militarized that nearly all border security targets outlined in the failed 2007 immigration bill have been met. | This Democratic president already deports immigrants at a record-breaking rate, the federal government spends more on immigration enforcement than all other federal criminal law enforcement initiatives combined, and the border has become so heavily militarized that nearly all border security targets outlined in the failed 2007 immigration bill have been met. |
| In other words, enforcement targets have created a human crisis; pathway promises have been missed. | In other words, enforcement targets have created a human crisis; pathway promises have been missed. |
| The president and Congress are not only missing the moment, but are also stuck with a fundamentally flawed paradigm – one that insists on criminalizing and deporting the very people who deserve political equality and legalization. Today, I was hoping the president would lead us to the path to citizenship by announcing a moratorium on the deportations. Instead, his words stung and even his promises fell short. | The president and Congress are not only missing the moment, but are also stuck with a fundamentally flawed paradigm – one that insists on criminalizing and deporting the very people who deserve political equality and legalization. Today, I was hoping the president would lead us to the path to citizenship by announcing a moratorium on the deportations. Instead, his words stung and even his promises fell short. |
| Sarahi Uribe is east coast organiser for the National Day Laborer Organising Network | Sarahi Uribe is east coast organiser for the National Day Laborer Organising Network |