DREAM Act Portal Forum - Rob Portman optimistic on immigration reform

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Rob Portman optimistic on immigration reform

This Republican Senator sounds confident about the prospect for reform.

Quote:

Sen. Rob Portman said Tuesday that he is optimistic about the prospects for immigration reform on Capitol Hill this year.

“I think something will pass the Senate this year,” Portman (R-Ohio) said at POLITICO’s Morning Money breakfast. “The question is whether that can be reconciled with [legislation from the House].”

A group of eight senators is currently trying to work out a compromise on immigration, and while they continue to report progress is being made, a deal has yet to be reached.

Portman noted a “broad consensus” on issues such as employer verification, border security, high-skilled visas and the future of so-called DREAM Act children on Capitol Hill.

And he said the disagreements that have so far surfaced — for instance, over what do with lower-skilled workers — do not necessarily mean immigration reform is doomed.

Portman also said he was so far “encouraged” with President Barack Obama’s approach to the negotiations — remaining primarily hands-off and letting a group of key senators work out the details on their own.

“I think in this case, the president seems to want to have a result,” Portman said. “I think up to now, the politics had worked pretty well for him … but I’m hopeful that the political calculation has changed now.”

The Ohio senator said Obama’s role in the immigration debate was critical to “provide support and cover” for Democrats.