Immigration Reform Is Not Easy, Despite What Some Senators Imply
Aug 10, 2013
Miami, FL (Law Firm Newswire) August 9, 2013 – Immigration reform may be a bit closer with the 84-15 vote in the Senate. That does not necessarily mean reform will ultimately make it through the rest of the political process.
“The name of the bill that attempts to deal with immigration reform seems to get longer the more time it spends in political committees. Nonetheless, some progress appears to have been made with the bill. The Senate voted for it 82-15. Overall, this means some forward movement. It does not mean a final passage, as further debate is pending relating to the amendments,” explained Larry Rifkin, a Miami immigration lawyer and managing partner at Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, with law offices in Miami, Florida and Orlando, Florida.
Amendments to be debated over the next several weeks to months include the usual two sticking points that have dogged immigration reform since day one; border security and the path to citizenship. Other than those two highly charged issues open for debate, the majority leader is indicating they do not want any further major changes to the bill as it stands.
The bill is crafted to deal with stronger border security, expanded visas and a path to citizenship, tied to the success of border security. All issues that have seen any political meddling have come to a screaming halt when no one could agree on what needed to be done. It appears that may still be expected, despite progress made to date. “It’s likely a good thing to remember that immigration reform still needs to proceed through another house of Congress. Who knows what will happen there,” speculated Rifkin.
In the meantime, even with the vote indicating there may be hope on the horizon, there are backroom meetings going on to shore the bill up or tear the bill down. It may still come down to who has the biggest clout and the most number of votes when things come to a head. Some politicians suggest if there is a good solution for border security, or that something can be arrived at to ensure the borders are secure, then immigration reform will happen. Nothing relating to immigration reform is ever that simple and it may never be.
“Some think if the core principles are tampered with, the whole house of cards comes down. Some think it needs to come down and kickstart the process over again. Others feel now is the time and are willing to entertain reasonable amendments that bolster the bill. It may all come out in the wash, eventually,” indicated Rifkin.
To learn more or to contact an Orlando immigration attorney or Miami immigration attorney, visit http://www.rifkinfox.com.
Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, P.A.
1110 Brickell Avenue
Suite 210
Miami, Florida 33131
Toll Free: (866) 681-0202
