The Politics of Immigration: House Manages to pass bills, upcoming elections in focus

Lots of analysis this week about the House GOP's actions on immigration, the first a bill that focused on deportations and a funding bill that doesn't come close to the President's request. The GOP is clearly concerned about taking action on immigration before the midterm elections, but the bills passed are of concern to those who want to reach out to Latino voters.

HR 5230 and HR 5272: Making a Bad Situation Worse and What It Means for November and Beyond

Voices: GOP won't face immigration backlash in November

Why the Latino vote matters in 2014 midterms: immigration (+video)

Republican Rep. Steve King was confronted Monday night at his own fundraiser by an undocumented immigrant and activist.

Meanwhile the focus remains on the border, particularly here in Texas where legislators this week questioned Governor Perry's calling up of the National Guard and how that will be paid for, in the absence of federal funds.

Perry's Office Defends National Guard Funding

photo by: Bob Daemmrich

The numbers of children crossing the border has dropped but concerns over housing remain, although plans to house families at military bases have been dropped and some shelters were closed.

U.S. to Close Three Emergency Shelters for Child Immigrants:Need for Sites Declines With Fewer Unaccompanied Minors Caught Crossing Mexican Border

Children at the Border - Interactive Map from the NY Times