Senators restart talks on US immigration reform plan

Ianus · 11-11-2012, 12:02 PM

It seems like the talks have begun.

Quote:

(Reuters) - Two key U.S. senators are restarting bipartisan talks on U.S. immigration reform that will include a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the country, Senator Charles Schumer said on Sunday.

Appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press," the Democrat Schumer said he has spoken with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and they have agreed to resume talks that broke off two years ago.

"And I think we have a darned good chance using this blueprint to get something done this year. The Republican Party has learned that being ... anti-immigrant doesn't work for them politically. And they know it," Schumer said.

President Barack Obama, re-elected last week with overwhelming support from Hispanic voters, in 2010 called the proposal unveiled by Graham and Schumer a "promising framework" on immigration reform. But the plan never got off the ground.

Obama's support among Hispanics was about 66 percent in the election, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling data.

There are an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States, most of them Hispanics.

The Graham and Schumer plan has four components: requiring high-tech, fraud-proof Social Security cards to ensure that illegal workers cannot get jobs; strengthening border security and enforcement of immigration laws; creating a process for admitting temporary workers; and implementing a path to legal status for immigrants already in the country.

Schumer said the plan embraces "a path to citizenship that's fair, which says you have to learn English, you have to go to the back of the line, you've got to have a job, and you can't commit crimes."

Many Republican leaders have taken a hard position against illegal immigrants. Obama's unsuccessful Republican challenger, Mitt Romney, said during the campaign that illegal immigrants should "self-deport" from the country.

Since the election, some influential conservative voices, including television commentator Sean Hannity, have announced support for immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants in the United States with no criminal record.

House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner, the top Republican in Congress, said on Friday that the U.S. immigration system is broken, and that Obama had to take the lead. Boehner has said he is confident Republicans could find common ground with the president.

The Obama administration announced in June it would relax U.S. deportation rules so that many young illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children can stay in the country and work.

The change would allow illegal immigrants who, among other criteria, are younger than 30 years old and have not been convicted of a felony to apply for work permits.

Djdieg007 · 11-11-2012, 12:40 PM

I saw this on the tv, and I wonder what does "get to the back the line" means?
- Does it mean all pending cases have to be approved first ?
- Does it mean that we will have to wait 10+ years?

immigration truth · 11-11-2012, 12:41 PM

Huge news, and this time it seems the fictional CIR bill could suddenly materialize. If the speaker of the house can just control the rabid members of his party, then this looks more then promising, this looks LEGENDARY.

Dream becomes Reality · 11-11-2012, 12:49 PM

That's great and all, but I'd like to see MORE senators-- Democrats, Republicans & Independents joining in to work with Schumer & Graham. We've been down this road before with these 2 senators who FAILED to produce a CIR Bill. I appreciate their efforts and enthusiasm, but additionally, I'd like for more senators to join in and help with the Bill.

chlehqls · 11-11-2012, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dream becomes Reality

That's great and all, but I'd like to see MORE senators-- Democrats, Republicans & Independents joining in to work with Schumer & Graham. We've been down this road before with these 2 senators who FAILED to produce a CIR Bill. I appreciate their efforts and enthusiasm, but additionally, I'd like for more senators to join in and help with the Bill.

How I miss the McCain/Kennedy duo back in the days.

If McCain can somehow join in these talks, the chance for an ACTUAL bill materializing just got increased.

immigration truth · 11-11-2012, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chlehqls

How I miss the McCain/Kennedy duo back in the days.

If McCain can somehow join in these talks, the chance for an ACTUAL bill materializing just got increased.

I think regardless of which senators are involved, the chances of a CIR bill appearing next year are truly high, the republican party has to completely rethink it's entire party ideology and branding, thus the reasons why I think the CIR bill will appear and thus pass.

If by some chance though it fails, like Ianus has pointed out numerous times Obama could just simply raise the registry year to 1996.

2Face · 11-11-2012, 01:55 PM

Wow...There is a GOOD chance that our families will POTENTIALLY be legal by this time next year. One more year I suppose but my God this is wonderful turn of events for our communities.

2Face · 11-11-2012, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by immigration truth

I think regardless of which senators are involved, the chances of a CIR bill appearing next year are truly high, the republican party has to completely rethink it's entire party ideology and branding, thus the reasons why I think the CIR bill will appear and thus pass.

If by some chance though it fails, like Ianus has pointed out numerous times Obama could just simply raise the registry year to 1996.

Also, if the Senate passes a bill, you can count on Boehner to follow by raising the votes in the House as well. It does not make sense to just pass it in the Senate and let it fall in the House. Those tactics have been identified by the voters and they've shown it in the elections. This will be a joint effort by both chambers.

freshh. · 11-11-2012, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Face

Also, if the Senate passes a bill, you can count on Boehner to follow by raising the votes in the House as well. It does not make sense to just pass it in the Senate and let it fall in the House. Those tactics have been identified by the voters and they've shown it in the elections. This will be a joint effort by both chambers.

Beohner held a conference call last week and told the House GOP to get in line. I don't know how receptive they will be, but we shall see. I hope something comes of this.

2Face · 11-11-2012, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freshh.

Beohner held a conference call last week and told the House GOP to get in line. I don't know how receptive they will be, but we shall see. I hope something comes of this.

Well..judging by the response from almost every person associated with the GOP including news commentators, strategists, congressmen, public, there's a very good chance they'll be willing to compromise. Also, as you know the Speaker of the House is a very influential position. Its his job to get his people in line. It boils down to how much Boehner wants this and if his actions match his rhetoric, then there should be no reason why he can't garner the votes. What an amazing turn around. Before the House was no problem and the Senate was where we were focusing our efforts. Now it seems it will be a much easier task for the Senate while the House remains in firm grasp of the GOP.

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Senators restart talks on US immigration reform plan