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New hope for comprehensive immigration reform as Republicans learn tough lessons with Barack Obama’s re-election

Will Obama's second term bring immigration reform?

IRISH VOICE EDITORIAL,

Published Thursday, November 15, 2012, 7:18 AM

Updated Thursday, November 15, 2012, 9:42 AM

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Does Obama's re-election bring new hope for immigration reform?

Photo by Saul Loeb, 2012 AFP

The GOP now knows it must get back onside with the largest constituency which is voting against them. Immigration reform they see as that vehicle, and like typical politicians everywhere they will desert their mother ship to hail the new passing trend ship.

It is all good news so far, and Senator Charles Schumer was quickly on deck to flag that Democrats were ready to work on the issue.

What must happen next is that all efforts must proceed with all available speed. This will likely be a big bill addressing not just undocumented but a revamp of the legal system, one that favors professional skills more.

The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform will be keeping a close eye on the latest developments, ready to support legislation if and when it happens.

Elections do change things. One of the outcomes of this one is that the hopes for immigration reform, so negative for so long, have suddenly brightened.

But we are counting no chickens yet.

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seanomelb | Nov 16, 2012, 07:27 PM EST

What has watergate got to do with Take a rest from the Fox/GOP talking points. What about the seals killed in the Iranian desert,sent in by reagan. I do not promote myself nor am I self opinionated. Ileave that genre of argument to Seanmor.

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BrianO | Nov 16, 2012, 10:04 AM EST

Nice seano, you know someone hides their bigotry because to argue against you means to be painted with the slurs of "liberals" such as bigot, homophobe, sexist, racist. You have such a big opinion of yourself, So seano how many people were murdered in the watergate scandal, any navy seals murdered there, any diplomats murdered at watergate.

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seanomelb | Nov 15, 2012, 11:55 PM EST

The world has moved on since the fifties Seanmor. I bet they would love the white immigrants like you you hide your bigotry well Seanmor

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Seanmor | Nov 15, 2012, 10:40 PM EST

I know many immigrants whom the Tea Party would would have warmly welcamed if they had existed when I entered this country. I was one of 8 or 9 who immigrated here from the same parish in the late '50s and early '60s, having met all the strict requirements necessary to obtain permanent visas. Four of this group joined the National Guard for 6 years, 4 more joined or were drafted in the Army, and I volunteered for 4 years in the Marine Corps. We all spoke English and none of us ever receives a penny's worth of subsidized housing, clothing allowance or food stamps, not did we receive any free health care. A few days after we set foot on U.S. soil we all found jobs and paid taxes to the IRS and N.Y State, also to the S.S. fund. We were an asset to community, state and nation - never a burden to anyone.

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seanomelb | Nov 15, 2012, 04:15 PM EST

wjb1tex the republicans who are for reform do not have the stomach to stand up to the teabaggers.

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wjb1tex | Nov 15, 2012, 01:40 PM EST

I am not so sure Republicans have been against immigration reform. At least this one never was. However what we are against is giving people who knowingly broke the law to enter the US, to the detriment of their fellow countrymen who are waiting to enter legally and now must wait longer. Reform yes. Free pass for illegals no. Reform the law to make it easier and faster for those who want to enter legally.

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TisEyerish | Nov 15, 2012, 12:26 PM EST

As an American, I open my arms to those who choose to emigrate to the US in order to better their lives. After all, we consider ourselves to be the "melting pot" of the world and our country is based on immigration. However, I do believe that those who emigrate should be working for a living, not coming to this country in order to cash in on the perks offered to foreigners, but almost impossible for the native-born American, who needs temporary relief, to obtain. THAT is what needs to stop. Also, any foreigner who is found guilty of any crime should be immediately deported. Period. We would then be accepting only those who are coming here for the right reasons, not to milk the system and live off the sweat of the American workers.

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Murph46 | Nov 15, 2012, 11:16 AM EST

My Post?

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Seanmor | Nov 15, 2012, 10:09 AM EST

Obviously immigration reform is badly needed, but what should new immigration laws provide for? In the midst of the current ecomonic recession the granting of full amnesty to 10 million or so illigal immgrants from south of the Rio Grande would leave them competing with Americans, especially blacks, for low paying jobs. Such amnesty would be a windfall for big business, which usually has a cosy relationship with Republicans.

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