Quote:
On the broader change of expanded Democratic majorities in both chambers, Graham said he initially feared that emboldened Democrats would abandon the comprehensive approach and simply legalize all illegal immigrants without increasing border security or making sense of the current immigration system. Instead, he has been surprised to see them shy away from the issue.
With so many difficult issues on the table already, Graham acknowledged questions about the timing of another immigration push. Some say Washington is already overloaded and others call the recession the wrong time to tackle immigration, but Graham said work should begin as soon as possible.
"My view is that hard problems need to be solved sooner, rather than later," Graham said. "Those who didn't like the other bill have done nothing to fix the system. It's not enough for me just to say what I want to do - we'll never move forward as a nation if the goal is just to make sure the other side gets nothing."
The framework of a comprehensive bill already exists in the skeleton of 2007's effort, and Graham said lawmakers can use it as a starting point, rather than starting anew. For the issue to get off the ground, however, Graham points out that "the president has got to lead." We agree, and - although we retain some significant differences with Graham on specific points of immigration policy - we hope the president will include Graham, a proven leader on immigration, in each stage of a discussion that should not be further delayed.
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http://www.thesunnews.com/opinion/story/947660.html
Obama would be a fool not to include McCain and Graham in this meeting.