(Thumbnail photo from KennedyImmigrationLaw.com)
“I’ve got a lot on my plate and it’s very important for us to sequence these big initiatives in a way where they don’t all just crash at the same time.” (FOX News)
When it comes to White House priorities, immigration reform will have to get in line after the health care overhaul, energy legislation, and new financial regulations.
That’s the word from President Obama speaking at a summit in Mexico this week – he says the U.S. will have to wait until 2010 for immigration legislation.
But can the U.S. afford to postpone action on this controversial issue? We’re taking a look at different perspectives on the administration’s timetable.
First, CNN commentator Jack Cafferty chooses Obama’s comments for his daily Cafferty File – where he asks viewers their opinions about current events.
“The question this hour is, ‘Is it a good idea to put off immigration reform until next year?’ That’s the earliest President Obama says they’re going to get around to it. Russ writes from, Johnston, Iowa: ‘There will be no immigration reform as long as some kind of amnesty for people here illegally is continually offered up from Washington.’”
In Chicago, WLS-TV reporter Theresa Gutierrez asks immigration reform activists about Obama’s decision to put immigration on the back burner.
They say it can’t wait.
“Many activists believe that every day that passes without comprehensive immigration reform means another U.S. citizen child is separated from her mother and another husband is torn from his wife.”
MSNBC’s Morning Joe looks at Obama’s decision to back off of immigration reform in terms of his trying to do too much too soon.
Their conclusion?
Maybe it’s not a bad idea to slow down.
“Every President, though, tries to get everything he can get his first six months, doesn’t he?”
“In fact, what he said this week is immigration is off the table. He’s trying to put it down the road.”
“He’s downsized this package.”
“Downsized it and worried about consumer protections.”
Hey, writes in U.S. News & World Report business reporter Matt Bandyk.
Instead of waiting to reform immigration, why not include it as part of the stimulus plan?
“…immigration seems to be highly underrated as a tool for dealing with economic misery. Many economists believe that immigration is the best anti-poverty program governments have ever devised.”
Do you think immigration reform can wait? Or, do you think the health care overhaul should be America’s priority?
