There was a previous article about courting the Hispanic with a SCOTUS and/or immigration reform, so this news isn't really new. This pick definitely has taken away some of the pressure for passing CIR this year. Honestly, Sotomayor was totally a political choice. I had Diane Wood as my #1, with Sotomayor as #2, but that is another issue.

I think we will need to see how this plays out. There is good news though. There will be a hearing on the dream act done by the judiciary committee soon. This shows that the bill is moving along. The question is what will happen on June 8, 2009? That meeting will play a big part in whether CIR will be done this year.

Another question is what will CIR advocates do? If it is seen as if there isn't any calendar time for the year, will they try to extend the debate to next year, or will they tamp down their expectations? This is sadly what controls the DA's fate. If they move on it, then the DA could move into next year. If they think it isn't viable, then a smaller package would probably be attempted. The wild card is Sen. Durbin. How long will he wait for CIR to come up?

Honestly, I still don't get the whole comprehensive obsession. It is really that hard to pass immigration in smaller parts? Redoing the whole system is great, but way to political. I don't think CIR is doable this year. Maybe it next spring. I think a smaller comprehensive package can be done if a few weeks, but who care about my opinion.