Specter and Obama on Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR)

April 29, 2009 marked the 100th day of the Obama administration in office. If there was any doubt about his commitment to immigration reform this year, the president put that to rest. He stated: “We can't continue with a broken immigration system. It's not good for anybody. ... what we're trying to do is take some core — some key administrative steps to move the process along to lay the groundwork for legislation. Because the American people need some confidence that if we actually put a package together, we can execute.”

The Senate also started taking testimony on CIR this past week. Former Central Bank chief, Alan Greenspan, a major supporter of immigration reform testified before Charles Shumer’s committee. According to Greenspan, reform should happen now. His testimony left no doubt that immigration reform will benefit the U.S. economy. It will have a positive effect on the economy, housing market and job creation. Several advocates issued statements congratulating Shumer and the committee to taking the first step towards CIR.

Coincidentally, Senator Arlen Specter announced that he was switching party affiliation, from the Republican Party to the Democratic Party. This gives the democratic party a 59-39 edge. With the Minnesota senatorial race almost over, the Democratic Party is likely to reach the 60 vote mark, a number necessary to break any filibuster in the Senate.

In March 2009, Senator Arlen Specter addressed a Continuing Legal Education session, organized by AILA in Washington DC. Though he looked frail, he expressed his commitment to CIR. Now that he is no longer in the GOP he will be able to freely push any CIR legislation in the Judiciary Committee of the Senate. These facts, combined with the President’s commitment, makes it look like a good year for CIR.

Peace to all people of good will.