Immigration reform likely to happen this fall

Everyone is hoping for immigration reform this year, but it is necessary that people push their representatives to do it. If no one speaks up, they will go more slowly. DP

By: LUÍS FILIPE DIAS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Comprehensive immigration reform could be introduced by Congress this fall. And while there are no comprehensive bills ready at this stage, some immigration language contained in the stimulus bill passed by the House on Wednesday has immigrant advocates crying foul.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has marked immigration reform as one of the 10 most important legislative priorities for the 111th Congress.

According to Jose Parra, communication director for Hispanic media for Sen. Reid, details for the immigration reform are being "worked on right now" with plans to be introduced "around the fall."

"The Senator is one that wants to make sure that immigration reform is taken up this year," said Parra. "Including securing the borders, taking 12 million people out of the shadows and towards a path of legalization and the guest worker program. Right now it's about setting the tone of the debate and making sure that it is a civil, level-headed matter that doesn't use divisive language. You don't rush the solution towards the end."

Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) is unsure that the reform will come up soon, saying that it depends on the White House and its priorities.

"I think the advocates including me would like to see it this fall, but that is more hope than a prediction at this point," said Frank. "We are waiting to see what the president decides, because it will be to some extent up to him."

O Jornal contacted the White House Office of Media Affairs for a comment as to when President Barack Obama would address immigration reform. As of press time, the office did not return the call.

National Immigration Forum in Washington, D.C. (NIF), which advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, sent on Jan.16 a letter to President Obama urging him to take action.

Ali Noorani, NIF's executive director, said that his organization had several meetings with the Obama transition team and that since the submission of the letter those conversations have continued.

"We are expecting a move before the end of 2009, but it's imperative that people across the country push the members of Congress to support immigration reform," said Noorani. "The president wants to do immigration reform and we need to give him the opportunity and political space to do so."
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