House Democrats Tuesday unveiled major legislation to overhaul the nation’s immigration laws, pegging its passage to the fulfillment of a campaign promise by President Barack Obama. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who has shepherded the bill, enjoyed chants of “yes we can” from a horde of onlookers in a packed room in the Rayburn House Office Building. But the future of the bill is more uncertain.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus, including Chairwoman Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.) and its most senior member, Rep. Solomon Ortiz (D-Texas), lauded the bill, saying it’s long overdue and would help integrate undocumented immigrants into U.S. society.
But with the nation’s unemployment in double-digits and massive health-care overhaul legislation slogging through the Senate, the timing and prospects of the legislation are in question.
Still, Gutierrez indicated that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has given his word the measure would see time on the Senate floor.
And Gutierrez said Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) have also agreed that the bill would be considered in the Senate before the House.
Although Gutierrez has so far shepherded the bill, Ortiz will bring the bill to the House, where it’s unlikely to have much, if any, Republican support.
The legislation seeks to incorporate undocumented immigrants into society by providing them a path to legalization, with requirements along the way such as learning English and registering with the federal government.
Although some Democrats have been critical of the president’s sometimes arm-length approach to Congress, Gutierrez praised the administration on Tuesday, saying that Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has been helpful in discussions about implementing the bill.
“I’ve been a very harsh critic of the president, but I’m feeling very optimistic,” Gutierrez said of the potential for White House support.