Thursday, November 21, 2013

Obama Suggests Immigration Reform Could be Done in Steps

November 21, 2013 -   Speaking at the Wall Street Journal's CEO Summit, President Obama on Tuesday indicated he would be willing to accept immigration reform in stages, rather than the all-inclusive comprehensive immigration reform he's been touting for close to a year. Cognizant of the fact that the Republican-led House of Representatives and Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) have openly signaled they are opposed to a comprehensive immigration reform bill, President Obama said "They're suspicious of comprehensive bills. But you know what? If they want to chop that thing into five pieces, as long as all five pieces get done, I don't care what it looks like."

This stands in start contrast to the numerous statements he's made over the course of this past year suggesting he would oppose any legislation that fell short of a comprehensive immigration bill. As this author has noted time and time again, one side had to budge, and it appears as if the President and his Democrat allies in Congress will be the ones to do so.

Speaker Boehner, who supports immigration reform, albeit a piecemeal approach, stated last week that he is "trying to find some way to get this thing (immigration reform) done", but he alluded to the fact that any immigration legislation could face fierce opposition in the House, adding it is "not going to be an easy path forward.

Immigration reform now appears as if it will take place in steps, rather than a full-blown comprehensive plan that Democrats thought they had after the November 2012 Presidential elections. The botched roll-out of "Obamacare" and misstatements regarding the plan have damaged the President's credibility and his signature legislation is danger of becoming unraveled. Perhaps his acquiescence now to a piecemeal approach to immigration reform is indicative of the troublesome past few months he's faced - some form of immigration reform would at least serve to divert attention from the troubled Affordable Care Act and provide him with a much-needed boost in his approval ratings (at an all time low of 37% according to the latest CBS poll).

Now the next question is when would any immigration reform bill make its way into the Congress. With Thanksgiving around the corner and Congress's Winter Break soon to follow, it is unlikely any immigration reform bill would be considered until 2014.

So, as has been mentioned frequently on this blog before, existing US immigration laws are still being enforced. These laws, especially regarding removal (deportation) are very harsh. For example, did you know that a Green Card holder, say one who has been here since he was 2 years old and is now say 50,  can be deported for having only one specific misdemeanor? A misdemeanor that may have not even resulted in any jail time can lead to his removal? With little to no hope of relief? Yes, neither did I until I became an immigration attorney. That is why it is so critical to consult with an experienced Orange County Immigration Lawyer. If you or a loved one is not a US Citizen and is charged with ANY crime, call 949-440-3240 and speak to a licensed immigration attorney, one who fully understands the immigration consequences of state crimes. Visit www.kpimmigrationlaw.com for more information.

Also, for readers in Texas that are facing immigration matters, please consult with a Dallas Immigration Attorney, Vinesh Patel, a graduate of a top-ten law school (University of Michigan) and an attorney who is specializes in removal and deportation issues in Texas.

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