Religious, business, and law-enforcement leaders got together in hopes that joining forces would pressure Congress to act on immigration reform. President Obama promised that his next term would tackle the issue of immigration, and bipartisan groups are making sure he plans on keeping his word.
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The bipartisan coalition met in Washington this past Tuesday to strongly suggest immigration reform be ranked as “first priority” on the to-do list for 2013. Religious leaders of different faiths participating in the cause believe immigration reform is a moral issue. Law-enforcement officials participated because the lack of structure and reform make their jobs more dangerous and complicated by alienating immigrants. Business leaders demonstrated their needs for both skilled and unskilled workers despite the unfavorable unemployment numbers. Members of the coalition support a pathway to citizenship for both undocumented and documented workers residing in the U.S. With several stakeholders banding together to urge Congress to act, people hope that the seriousness and urgency of the issue to be resolved is conveyed.
Despite low support from immigrant voters for the Republican Party due to their position on immigration, several conservatives were included in the group that met before Congress. Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff, a Republican, says, “We’ve have been talking to the wrong crowd. Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free' ... Those are Republican principles.” While Romney and fellow GOP candidates previously campaigned in support of strict immigration policies including the concept of “self-deportation,” Shurtleff highlights that this is neither the basis for how all Republicans feel nor is it the more reasonable approach. The conference brought in several influential speakers including Brad Bailey, of the Texas Immigration Solution. “I never thought I’d be asking for hope and change,” he said. “But I hope and pray Congress will take this because change is what needs to happen.”
The White House has not released any specific information regarding the immigration reform. There is tension within Congress over the correct approach and the actions that should be taken. However, Congress has made it clear that the opinions of lobbyists and citizens have been heard. many members of Congress understand and agree that immigration reform is inevitable and must be dealt with promptly. When support for reform is backed by so many large and powerful bipartisan coalitions, Congress is forced to be held accountable for correcting a broken system. The immigration attorneys at the Hacking Immigration Law will be monitoring and reporting on all proposed and (hopefully) enacted legislation. If comprehensive immigration reform is passed, we will be ready to help you take on whatever immigration filing you may need. If you have questions regarding the current immigration laws, contact us at 314-961-8200 or visit our contact page.