Monday, June 16, 2008

What About Immigration After The Elections?

While immigration takes a back seat to Iraq and the economy this election, it nonetheless stirs such strong emotions among the electorate as abortion and gay marriage might. Whoever is elected will have to address the issue early and begin building a consensus for a new immigration policy. Both candidates are on record for finding a generous path toward legalization, but they have also supported the wall -- vaguely -- and talk semi-tough about border enforcement. In any instance, don't expect quick action. Congress, having been burnt last year and preoccupied with Iraq and the economy, is not likely to take up the issue for many months into the new session. Apart from its shyness on the issue and its other concerns, Congress will be split perhaps more sharply on the issue than before within both parties. (See Arizona Republic article.)

. . . .THE NEW MEXICAN IMMIGRANT
The Arizona Republic reports that over the last few months the number of Mexican professional and business people moving from border towns to the U.S. has grown. They're fleeing the violence of the drug wars along the Texas and California borders. Some have themselves been victims of abduction and ransom demands.

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