Immigration advocates focus attention on reform

Advocates for immigration reform In Florida haven’t given up hope that their efforts will be rewarded. They want to make an easier way for about 11 million illegal immigrants to become citizens and have taken an activist approach through personal, albeit sometimes unwanted, contacts with House Republicans. They have even placed pressure on President Obama to stop deportations.

A group recently held a press conference at the U.S. Capitol and met with some who have been fasting in an effort to attract additional attention to the issue of immigration reform. President Obama agrees with their stance, and Vice President Biden has also encouraged House Republicans to support immigration overhaul, putting the blame on the shoulders of House Majority Leader John Boehner for keeping the bill from coming before the House where Biden believes it would pass. While the President agrees, he is in favor of the House going through the reform bill piece-by-piece. Boehner feels this is the best option for reform. House Democrats know they will wait at least until 2014 to see any changes in legislation, if they even happen. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi confirmed that timetable.

Biden also supported the administration perspective of immigrants gaining legal status. However, he quickly debunked the idea of amnesty and said that people would need to wait their turn to earn citizenship. He added that the process would include learning English, paying a fine and paying back taxes.

While immigration reform as a whole might be a controversial issue, the courts will continue to consider individuals on a case-by-case basis. An immigration attorney might be able to help clients navigate through the difficult process of obtaining citizenship.

Source: CBS News, “One last immigration reform push before Congress leaves town“, Rebecca Kaplan, December 12, 2013