President Obama's Reelection

Yesterday, President Obama won his second term as President of the United States, beating his challenger, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, 303-206. From an immigration standpoint, this is historic and "game changing". Deferred Action, colloquially known as "The Dream Act" is in all likelihood to stay, but that is just a small piece of the picture.

Pundits are already pointing fingers as to why Mitt Romney lost. One of the more prevalent theories floating around is that Mitt Romney and the GOP have alienated Latino voters. The proof is in the pudding too, as 66% of Latino voters sided with the President. Many senior members of the Republican party have publicly stated that change is needed in the GOP - they can no longer advocate policies that turn-off the crucial Latino vote. And one of those policies is the party's stance on immigration reform and illegal immigration in general.

Looking forward into Obama's second term, it is safe to say that comprehensive immigration reform will more than likely happen. It has to happen, both for the Democrats, and now for the Republicans. The President promised immigration reform when he was campaigning for his first term, his legacy will now depend upon it to an extent. And if the Republicans want to take back the White House in 2016, they must work with the President and Congressional Democrats on real immigration reform. They can no longer alienate a large and growing part of the electorate.

For the millions of illegal immigrants living and working in the US, the future is looking just a little brighter today. Let's hope both sides can come together, and once and for all, put an end to the immigration debate by passing comprehensive immigration reform.