Sunday, March 7, 2010

From PHB: On Immigration, The Moment to be Heard - and Included - Is Here


( - promoted by Pam Spaulding)

Just a few weeks ago, the likelihood of Congress and the White House tackling comprehensive immigration reform seemed to be in question. Following the defeat of a Democratic candidate in the Massachusetts Senate election, and growing doubts about a successful healthcare reform effort in both chambers, the prospects for a truly comprehensive reform effort that would fix our country's broken immigration system was called into question by many.

Now, however, there is renewed energy and focus on the issue. And that, in turn, must be a wake-up call, and a rallying cry, for the LGBT community, too.

Yesterday, both the Los Angeles Times and Associated Press reported that President Obama had called two key lawmakers - Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) - to the White House to discuss moving immigration reform forward. The Times also noted that Obama has begun conversations with Administration staff about the best path forward for the legislation, which Obama pledged during his campaign would be a major piece of his first-term agenda.

"Obama took up the issue privately with his staff Monday," The Times reported, "in a bid to advance a bill through Congress before lawmakers become too distracted by approaching midterm elections."

A White House spokesperson characterized the President's commitment to the issue as "unwavering."

There's More... :: (8 Comments, 777 words in story)


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