Those were the sentiments of Barak Obama upon learning that this past Thursday congress has agreed to formally begin debating on immigration reform. A reform that will overhaul America’s immigration laws.
A sticking point to this to this proposal is providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants living in the United States. Which is Obama’s focal point to the legislation, one that is drawing the ire of Republicans not on the “Gang of Eight”.
The “Gang of Eight” includes; Sen. Michael Bennet, D-CO, Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-IL, Sen. Jeff Flake, R-AZ, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-SC, Sen. John McCain, R-AZ, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-NJ,Sen. Marco Rubio, R-FL, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY. Settled on a proposal that shows a rare compromise between the two parties, which will face scrutiny on the floor.
Immigration reform is hot topic in the second term of Obama and the focal point has been what to do with the undocumented immigrants currently within America’s borders. Everyone from party leaders to immigration law firms, such as the Shulman Law Group have been keeping an eye on this subject.
Sen. Marco Rubio, R-FL has offered up the requirement for the undocumented immigrants to show proficiency in english language skills has still heeded the call of his party for additional border security.
With that it appears that the Senate has the two corner stones as a foundation for the structure of the bill that will be highly debated in the coming sessions. After that is the question of how much Republican support is needed to get this bill through the House of Representatives.
Before the procedural vote, Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-SC, a member of the “Gang of Eight” told reporters what he believes is needed to make this bill successful in the House. “If we get just a handful of Republicans I think it probably dies in the House, so I think it’s imperative we get close to half our conference.”
With the comments coming from other members of his party, it is understandable why Sen. Graham has his concerns. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-TX aired sentiments that Obama is standing in the way of comprehensive immigration reform with his desire for citizenship rights for undocumented citizens.
This has drawn criticism from across the aisle as Sen. Bob Menendez, D-NJ, another member of the “Gang of Eight” said of Cruz, “I think he has Obamaphobia.” Adding that the reality is that four Senators form each party came together for a path to citizenship.
While it is clear that some like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell have voiced their opinion of skepticism unless there are amendments on the floor. Groups like the “Gang of Eight” and the Shulman Law Group will have to wait to see if the path to citizenship is realized.
Image Credit: The Pink Pig