Boehner says immigration reform off the table for this year

House Speaker John Boehner surprised many analysts last week, saying that passing immigration reform was unlikely before the 2014 midterm elections. The rationale behind this is complicated as noted in this article from the New York Times:

Behind Retreat on Immigration, a Complicated Political Interplay

Why are many Republicans against a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants? This cartoon helps explain part of the reason...

Meanwhile, Senator Chuck Schumer has been looking for ways to get around the roadblocks in the House:

Schumer Offers Long-Shot Option to Skirt House G.O.P. on Immigration

To see an  in-depth look at immigration issues that have come up this week in Europe, check out my Europe blog: http://givenseurope.blogspot.com/2014/02/putting-swiss-vote-in-context-uk-and.html

 

GOP Unveils Immigration Principles, Obama Facing Tough Choices

On Thursday the GOP presented their "Immigration Principles" which are expected to lay the groundwork for legislation going forward - the principles call for legalization but not a path to citizenship:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/31/us/politics/text-of-republicans-principles-on-immigration.html?_r=0

President Obama, who has previously called for a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants has said he is open to compromise with the House:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/01/us/obama-hints-he-may-be-open-to-immigration-deal-with-gop.html

"The quandary for Mr. Obama is clear: He has vowed to overhaul immigration in two presidential campaigns, but to make good on the promise, he may have to agree to conditions from House Republicans that will be hard for many Democrats to accept. Mr. Boehner is facing pressure of his own to come up with a plan that will appeal to Hispanic voters."

 

Speaker John A. Boehner’s blueprint may force President Obama to decide whether to abandon a new path to citizenship. Doug Mills/The New York Times

Editorial from the New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/31/opinion/fixing-immigration-in-principle.html?hp&rref=opinion

Jennifer Rubin highlights the challenges that reform proposals will face: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2014/01/31/immigration-reform-stumbles-on/