The Time for Partisan Huddles on Immigration Is Over

The President’s rhetoric and grasp of the elements of comprehensive reform are right on target, but he needs to match sustained action leading towards legislative progress with his words.  The plan recently leaked from the White House landed with a thud.

The White House is trying to bring more Republican support to the table.  And in that regard, the Administration is doing what they have been asked to do by leaders in both parties.  But the time for back room discussions is over.  The time for partisan huddles is over.  The time for positioning is over.  It’s time for serious legislating to begin.  It’s time to craft a bill that can pass the Congress and work once implemented.  It’s time for the kind of bipartisan cooperation that led to a 62-36 vote in favor of an unprecedented if flawed comprehensive reform bill in last year’s Senate.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has said the Senate will debate immigration beginning in mid-May.  We all know the math: 40 to 45 Democrats, 20 to 25 Republicans.  A tough and balanced approach that is workable; an approach that couples tough border security and a crackdown on bad actor employers with a widened legal channel for needed workers and close families as well as a meaningful path to earned citizenship for those here and those coming who make the U.S. their home.