Immigration Reform Expected Soon in Congress

After the White House signaled its willingness to tackle the controversial immigration issue in 2010, Democrats in the House are willing to push comprehensive immigration reform legislation and believe they can pass it without bipartisan support. The effort is led by Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), who heads the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Immigration Task Force.

In 2007, Gutierrez and Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) co-sponsored bipartisan immigration reform legislation that failed to pass. Current discussions however have not included Republican members. Gutierrez plans to introduce his bill on December 15 and is reportedly aiming for 100 co-sponsors.

In the Senate, however, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is working with Senate Republicans to craft a moderate bill that is expected in January. CHC leaders said the Senate is likely to kick off formal debate on the issue with Schumer’s bill, due out in January.

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