Bipartisanship has always been what Washington strives to cook up. But, in a Congress where we have a Democratic-led Senate and a Republican-led House, it’s obvious that immigration is not a top priority and with so many cooks in the kitchen it has once again become clear just how challenging any bipartisan agreement on an issue as divisive as immigration will be. On July 26th the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees and Border Security served up an excellent hearing, The Economic Imperative for Enacting Immigration Reform. At the hearing Chairman Schumer (D-NY) emphasized the importance of high and low skilled immigration to America’s economic growth. Of a much different flavor, this week the House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the HALT Act (H.R. 2497), a bill meant to target the undocumented population by taking away the administration’s authority to use discretion in extraordinary cases and to suspend deportations.
Additionally, last week the House Judiciary Committee passed by a vote of 19-11 a bill sponsored by Congressman Goodlatte (R-VA) to eliminate the Diversity Visa program, the Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2011 (H.R. 704). With the Congressional menu constantly changing stay tuned for more legislative updates after Congress’s recess.
Additionally, last week the House Judiciary Committee passed by a vote of 19-11 a bill sponsored by Congressman Goodlatte (R-VA) to eliminate the Diversity Visa program, the Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act of 2011 (H.R. 704). With the Congressional menu constantly changing stay tuned for more legislative updates after Congress’s recess.
