Comprehensive Immigration Reform - Promises Made, Promises Kept

Department of Homeland Security, Secretary Janet Napolitano made her first major speech outlining the administration’s efforts to push for comprehensive immigration reform in early 2010 on Friday the 13th at the Center for American Progress in Washington, D.C. Advocates on both sides of the immigration fence have started to doubt the President’s promise for immigration reform. President Obama, who is currently in Asia, has plenty on his plate; namely overhaul of the health care system and the spiraling economy. With unemployment rate hitting an all time high of 10%, it is surprising to hear the Secretary confirm the President’s promise to tackle immigration reform in early 2010. Secretary Napolitano argued that CIR (Comprehensive Immigration Reform) will enhance national security and protect American workers from having to compete with lower-paid illegal immigrants. Under the current plan, illegal immigrants already present in America would have to register, pay fines, pay all taxes owed, pass a criminal background check and learn English. The administration emphasizes that allowing illegal immigrants a legal pathway will strengthen the economy because millions of presently illegal immigrants will become full-paying taxpayers. Members of Congress from both sides have been working diligently to present a CIR bill to the President soon.