We, the immigration attorneys, at Spar & Bernstein have been wracking our brains for weeks now trying to figure out what will happen with immigration reform in 2010, whether more rational and comprehensive laws will pass—or not.
Fact is, we keep coming up with the same answer: We’re not sure. We constantly go back and forth on it.
I mean, some days, we’re pretty optimistic. Other days, we’re hopelessly mired in deep pessimism.
So through the collective thoughts of our ever-vacillating office, we present to you the yin and yang of it.![yin_yang[1]](http://sblawlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/yin_yang1.png "yin_yang[1]")
For starters…
Here are our 5 reasons why immigration reform WON’T happen in 2010:
1) 
Because Bam Already Shot His Wad: Pres. Obama spent so much political capital on such things as health care reform, the economic stimulus programs, and the bailouts of major car manufacturers/too-big-to-fail financial institutions that he simply doesn’t have anything left—that across-partisan-lines oomph—to push hard enough.
2) Because Self Interests Will Rule the Day: With the high unemployment rate and a beaten-down economy, people are more than ever looking out for No. 1 these days. For sure, they don’t want a slew of new U.S. citizens competing with them for jobs and benefits.
3) Because the United Evil Front Will Guard the Border: There are just too many mean-spirited, rabidly-conservative politicians out there—GOP Darth Vaders such as Arizona Senator Russell Pearce and South Carolina Congressman Joe “You Lie!” Wilson—who will do anything and everything to stand in the way. ![sheriff_arpaio[1]](http://sblawlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sheriff_arpaio1-300x300.gif "sheriff_arpaio[1]")
4) Because Our Politicos Will Ultimately Ask Themselves, “What Can These People Do for ME?: With the 2010 midterm elections coming up next November, politicians won’t dare go out on a limb for a part of the populace—in this case, illegal immigrants—who can’t vote.
5) Because of Scare Tactics: With odious, fear-mongering yammermouths like Sheriff Joe Arpaio, Glenn Beck, and Lou Dobbs demonizing illegal immigrants at every turn, people will be swayed to such a frenzied degree they won’t want to reward “a bunch of lawbreakers.”
And on the flipside…
Here are our 5 reasons why immigration reform WILL happen in 2010:
1) Because, Barack, You Promised!: Obama swore up and down all during his presidential campaign that he’d make sure to push through a legalization plan similar to one that former president George W. Bush twice tried unsuccessfully to get through Congress. He not only talked about amnesty, he also said: “Yes, (illegal immigrants) broke the law. And we should not excuse that. We should require them to pay a fine, learn English, and go to the back of the line for citizenship—behind those who came here legally. But we cannot—and should not—deport 12 million people…we need to offer those who are willing to make amends a pathway to citizenship. That way, we can reconcile our values as both a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws.”
2) Because Everyone Should Stand Up and Be Accounted For: Our government, for security reasons alone, in these terrible times of terrorism, can’t take the chance of having 12 million—or more—people running around undocumented. We should have complete records on EVERYBODY. That means pictures, fingerprints, the whole shebang. We need to know who everybody is and what he or she is doing here.
3) ![hans-and-franz[1]](http://sblawlink.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/hans-and-franz1-300x262.jpg "hans-and-franz[1]")
Because, in the Words of Hans and Franz, They Can Pump Us Up: We can really juice the economy by increasing the tax base exponentially with taxes paid by new U.S. citizens. It makes perfect dollars and sense.
4) Because Humanity Should Be Somewhere on Our Menu: In the end, WE are THEM and THEY are US. We cannot run away from the fact that we are a nation of immigrants and hold strong to the principle that everyone is entitled to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. That should include illegal immigrants as well—right? Once the dust settles on the Congressional floor, compassion and understanding and fairness will have trumped the dark side of fear and hate and inhumanity.
5) Because, In the End, There’s No Rhyme or Reason: Listen, these 12 million—or more—people aren’t going anywhere. So, what’s the use anyway? It’s such an incredible waste of taxpayer money to try to find them, round them up, and deport them. Let’s save ourselves the trouble.
What do YOU think will happen? Please let us know. Pass the word and be heard!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
i agree with lawlink too much is going on with the country for them to stay focus on illegal immigration
Commensese approach.The people who are coming here legally overstayed and waiting for gov decession.Some entered illegally.
Visas outside US through consultancy services are basically sold out in some manner.Its business for consultancys.For Corporate company’s also its business.So logically if you see “Money” is playing the major role with some kind of technical training people are coming to USA for making money and better living.ITs burden to taxpayers.So by taking money give the document for work take the taxes and put them on rigurous path.Screen the new comers severly .Tough situation those who can survive they will others will go back.
Every year about 27 billion $ is spent because of the illegal immigrants. I agree that they should be registered, pay the fines and taxes which would stimulate the economy and put online to become citizens. Also, border and employment related measures should be more severe. No solution status qua is not a solution! .
if more isn’t done to counter the white supremacist role in the immigration debate, whatever is done won’t be beneficial to anyone (but the white supremacists). whether an attempt is made or not, will likely depend upon the success of healthcare reform measures, the strength of the economy, and whether or not it will be considered a good political move by the obama admin.
It doesn’t make any sense to carry on with a broken system ignoring the fact that time will only make things alot worse in the long run. That said, if a law has been broken and continues to be exploited, common sense calls for a fix. Not just a quick fix but an articulate and sensible one. As far as unemployemnt & competition goes, I don’t think the undocumented are out of work as it wouldn’t make any sense for them to hang around with a job or any sort of government welfare. In most cases, it is the lazy people who have gotten used to the idea of liveing their lives on a free ride. Deporting that many doesn’t make logical sense because the IRS receives all sorts of taxes from the undocumented where nothing is payed back since they do not qualify for any tax returns. I truly feel it will help the economy in many ways as these undocumented people have the cash to spend (unlike many of us Americans surviving on credit cards) but are hesitant to part with it because their futures’ foggy. I believe a fair one would be to fine them, make them pay back taxes for the last 5 years, make them learn basic spoken english, exclude them from any welfare for a decade, Make them file/pay future taxes and have a thorough background check.
Many of us believe, the undocumented are only latinos and those from South America, but apart from them being the majority, there are tons of people from the rest of the world. I can assure you there are tons of them from Europe that one might not suspect. Any new law passed makes one nervous but I think it should be in our best interests. So as much as we might hate to believe a reform should take place soon, we are better off doing it now than never.