Dear Readers:
We’re in the dog days of August right now and much of America is either on vacation, focused on the new school year or planning for the Labor Day weekend. Congress, of course, has been out of session since the end of July and still has about two weeks to go before they’re back in DC. That’s not to say that they have totally checked out from the immigration debate.
Quite the contrary, actually. Members of Congress get ribbed for taking such a long vacation in August, but it’s really not the holiday the press makes it out to be. In fact, members of Congress spend a lot of time meeting with constituents to talk about issues of the day.
These meetings take many forms, but in the past few years, they’ve been known as the chief way that right wing Tea Party members have pushed on their issues. So there were many who were fearful that August would spell the end of immigration reform as members of Congress went home and suffered the wrath of the right wing.
Interestingly, that has not been the case this year. In fact, pro-immigration groups have learned a few lessons from their anti-immigrant counterparts and have bombarded members of Congress with their message. That’s been coupled with the seeming implosion of the anti-immigrant groups who have barely been able to flex any muscle this year. Attendance at their rallies has been absurdly low in comparison to the pro-immigration side.
The most interesting thing I’ve been watching over the recess is the string of House Republicans publicly stating their support for immigration reform. Two dozen have gone on the record supporting immigration reform with a number still expected to come aboard. That means that if the House can actually get to the point of voting, they’ve got a good shot at passing reform legislation.
Expect September to be a busy month in the House. I’m aware of several bills in the drafting stage that may get introduced including guest worker, skilled worker and legalization proposals. Many anti-immigrants will oppose voting on bills that are restrictive because passage of any bills would open the door to a negotiation with the Senate. However, most seem to think the House is in the mood to move immigration reform – just not the Senate version. So the opportunity to negotiate something that is acceptable to both Houses is likely going to be embraced by many.
As far as timing, don’t expect anything before late in the year or in early 2014. The House may take its time in approving its bills and the negotiations with the Senate could take months.
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Readers are reminded that they are welcome to contact my law office if they would like to schedule a telephone or in person consultation with me or one of my colleagues. If you are interested, please call my office at 901-682-6455.
Regards,
Greg Siskind
Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk.