There’s been a lot of talk in the last few days, first about Darrel Issa’s six-year legalization bill, then about whether there’s still time this year to pass immigration reform at all.
Our position remains the same: the GOP needs to take action on immigration reform immediately, or face the consequences. Pressure to pass legislation that recognizes the 11 million will continue to build, and the 2014 and 2016 elections are around the corner.
As Frank Sharry was quoted in a Politico piece today, “We’re either going to pass immigration reform or punish Republicans who block it.”
Despite all the chatter, House Republicans have still yet to release a GOP-based immigration bill that addresses immigrants who are already here. If House GOPers have such a proposal, they should bring it. We’ll be happy to evaluate once we see a bill–but all we’ve seen so far are press reports with vague ideas. There’s no actual legislation. Put a pen to paper. Draft a bill. Then, we can talk.
In the meantime: