NEWS & COMMENTARY

February 12, 2011

As I write these words, nearly two years after my last entry, the country has fallen into dire straits, in many aspects, including immigration. All attempts at meaningful reform in this area have been met with complete and utter failure. Sadly, it appears it will be some time before Congress is ready to deal with this issue honestly. To make matters worse, the only “progress” our government seems to have made during these years is a record number of deportations that include far too many whose only crime was coming here in search of work. Indeed, yours truly has become so frustrated because of this congressional ineptitude that he launched a bid for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2010 on an immigration reform platform. Being a third party candidate, our campaign was not victorious but it was historic in percentage of votes obtained. Although we have lost many battles along the way, we believe that ultimately justice will prevail, and immigration reform will come. The question is when. Until then, we will fight on…

March 5, 2009

After the collapse of any meaningful reform in 2007, followed by a 2008 campaign year, we appear to have a new President and Congress whom are committed to making Comprehensive Immigration Reform a reality, finally. Unfortunately, the country is going through a severe economic crisis which has pushed any meaningful immigration discussion into the background. Nevertheless both branches of government have pledged to begin serious dialogue on the issue this Fall. Let’s all pray they keep their word and that by this time next year, we are able to offer something more than just hope to millions of hardworking, decent people.

January 15, 2007

Despite having a Republican president & now Democratic congress who both believe in sensible immigration reform, the truth is that this year is our last best hope for meaningful changes in immigration law. Next here, as we all know, will be an election year spent mostly on blaming the other party for not achieving what they said they would do. And after the election, who knows what direction the country will take? As legitimate as the Iraq dilemma is, I fear the more time we spend on that tragic situation, the less progress will be made towards immigration reform. Nevertheless, I remain optimistic that this is our year. It has to be.

May 25, 2006

The Senate passed their version of a comprehensive immigration bill today. Members of that body will next meet with their colleagues from the House of Representatives (most likely this summer) trying to come together on a uniform bill that the President may sign into law.

These negotiations, and a compromise, for that matter, will not be easy as the Senate bill and House bill are worlds apart. Many folks think the House bill is too harsh on illegal immigrants while others feel the new Senate bill is much too lax. Let us keep our fingers crossed that some type of equitable agreement is reached soon!

I will keep you informed of any new developments as they arise. Be sure to check this page frequently.