Following the November elections, it was widely believed that the tipping point had been reached and true, comprehensive immigration reform would be introduced and enacted in the coming Congressional session. Various congressional groups were formed, and possible scenarios were thrown up for discussion.
Yet, in the few months since the election, numerous events have taken other topics to the forefront of Congressional minds. President Obama says he will push comprehensive immigration during his first year – but now the gun control debate has also become a priority. In addition, the government faces no less than three “fiscal cliffs” during the first three months of the year.
All of a sudden, the next year has become overcrowded with possible legislation. Whether immigration reform will be able to make it to debate and actual passage is now much more uncertain. On This Week, leading Senator Mitch McConnell stated that nothing will take priority over the coming financial debates – not even immigration reform or gun control reform.
Given how long it took Congress to reach an agreement on the January 1st fiscal cliff, I am not holding my breath that immigration reform will be accomplished until the summer (if then). If you want immigration reform, you better be pushing your representatives in the Congress.
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