Immigration reform: Why are House Republicans poised to act now?

Christian Science Monitor — …That question divides House Republicans and could have an effect on how this fall’s midterm elections play out.

Some Republicans say the House is simply picking up where it left off last year. The House, they say, actually did a lot on immigration reform in 2013 – including hearings, passing several bills on different aspects of reform, and holding bipartisan negotiations – but events intervened. The government shutdown, a budget deadline, and the Republican desire to make “Obamacare” a singular focus all pushed immigration reform off the 2013 calendar.

Now, with the legislative decks relatively clear, House Republicans in the “move now” faction are pushing ahead. For these Republicans, the urgency to pass immigration reform comes down to three main factors… [Read More]