When the wind of political fortunes change, politicians of all stripes adjust their song sheets.
It’s no secret that the Republicans flopped miserably in the polls. For those that understand the critical issues of the day, this was not a surprise. They dissed the largest contingent of voters they needed to win: the Hispanic bloc. What does that leave them with? It leaves them scrambling to finally do something about American immigration laws. There’s nothing like egg on one’s face to force an epiphany.
These days Republicans say they’re in the midst of planning a vote on legislation that makes things easier for immigrants with green card to bring their families to America, expands the visa system for STEM students and do something to fix the dysfunctional immigration system. With tongue in cheek, and a raised eyebrow for the actuality of any of these promises becoming reality, it is about time something happened. But then, it was time for something to happen when Obama was first elected, and look at what didn’t happen.
Now however, since the Republicans are smarting from their somewhat dismal electoral showing, one of the ways they can redeem themselves is to ensure the immigration reform issue is promptly dealt with. That means getting on the Democrat bandwagon and actually working towards a solution in concert with one another. If that concept makes you shake your head in disbelief, you’re not alone. The very thought of Democrats and Republicans working to get something as contentious as immigration reform passed boggles the mind. This isn’t to say the two parties agreeing and moving forward to achieve change is out of the question. After all, they did introduce health reform.
Now, it is rumored that Republicans are tweaking the STEM bill, the one that died the last time it was brought to a vote. That bill did not pass, as 80 percent of the House Democrats said no to getting rid of another visa program, for less educated immigrants, to offset handing out more STEM visas. They are also making noises about broadening a program allowing the spouses and kids of those with permanent residence/green card, to wait in the U.S. for their own green cards. Currently, there are roughly 322,000 children, wives and husbands in this category, and a more than a two-year wait for to families to be reunited.
While no one knows for sure what the House might dream up this time around, the good thing is that they at least seem to be willing to work to make changes. It’s a place to start.
Sally Odell – Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, PA is an immigration lawyer in Miami with immigration law offices in Orlando and Miami, Florida. To learn more, visit http://www.rifkinandfoxisicoff.com.
