Immigration reform still in holding pattern

Immigration reform is like a merry-go-round. It looks pretty, but never seems to stop going in circles.

One of the latest polls relating to immigration reform shows that more Americans are beginning to relate to the Democrat Party’s formal position. Support for the Republican agenda seems to be evaporating. A whopping 48 percent reported that they hold the belief that the Democrat’s policies on immigration reform are much like their own, personally-held beliefs. Thirty-six percent said they were in line with the Republicans.

While the numbers may seem to be neck-and-neck, once they are broken down, another story is evident. The results actually appear to be a warning of sorts for the GOP —- a warning that they need to seriously consider whether or not push forward some form of a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants or bite the bullet and agree to the Democrats’ plan.

What are they really thinking? The Republicans really have their sights set on the 2016 election, which means nothing much is likely to get done with immigration reform, because it is too valuable in terms of political payoff to act now. If the Republicans can figure out how to break the stranglehold Obama seems to have on the Hispanic electorate, then 2016 may bring some interesting developments. In the meantime, immigration reform assumes its old, tired status as a much-abused political football, almost, but not quite, punted into the end zone for a touchdown.

The poll figure are capable of being cut down into specific demographics, and it shows roughly 70 percent of African Americans and about 60 percent of Hispanics like the Democrats’ plans, while14 percent of African Americans and 26 percent of Hispanics identify with the Republicans’ plans. Across the board, Caucasian Americans are in duelling position, with 41 percent favoring the Democrats and 42 percent the Republicans. Nothing gets done in the meantime, and figures bandied about make no difference in the final analysis, as it is plain as day that immigration reform is stalled —- still.

It’s no secret Latin Americans swung the vote pendulum in the last two elections, and it’s a no-brainer that they will carry the same clout in 2016. Whoever woos them the best may get elected. But, will immigration reform ever get passed? Chances are slim to none.

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