Immigration Reform Enters Critical Period

July 22, 2013 - With the Senate passing Comprehensive Immigration Reform this past June, the debate has entered the fractious House of Representatives, where Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) has indicated on numerous occasions that the Senate's version of the immigration reform bill would not pass. Speaking on CBS' "Face the Nation", Speaker Boehner was repeatedly questioned about his personal views on the so-called "Path to Citizenship", but failed to answer the question head on. "It's not about me, it's not about what I want...This is about allowing the House to work its will", he said, avoiding any personal views about the contentious "Path to Citizenship", which has many House Republicans screaming amnesty.

Speaker Boehner had hoped to push through some form of immigration legislation by August, but that increasingly appears unlikely. Further adding to the uncertainty, Speaker Boehner stated that the House would pass immigration reform in "chunks", something the President and Senate Democrats have said is unacceptable.

So what's the future for Comprehensive Immigration Reform and the 11 million plus undocumented immigrants in the country? As of now, it is appearing more and more unlikely that the Senate's version of immigration reform will become the law of the land. Compromise is going to be essential, but with Democrats and Republicans at odds over almost any substantive issue, a compromise (as of now) does not appear likely. One side is going to have to cave in, my thoughts are that the "Gang of Eight" and the Senate Democrats are going to have to play along with the House if they hope to see any provisions of Comprehensive Immigration Reform come into effect, delivering a victory of sorts to Boehner and House Republicans. But anything's possible in Washington and the month of August is going to be critical for any immigration reform. For now, all we can do is wait and see.

Current US immigration laws are still in effect and can have serious ramifications on one's ability to reside in the US. If you or someone you know has an immigration matter, please call 949-440-3240 or visit www.kpimmigrationlaw.com for more information.