If there was any hope in passing comprehensive immigration reform before the end of the year, such hope is lost. On Wednesday, House Speaker John Boehner repeated his opposition to the Senate-passed immigration bill and pledged that the House would never vote on it. "I'll make clear we have no intention ever of going to conference on the Senate bill." While immigration reform advocates were cautiously optimistic reform would occur before the end of the year, only 15 working days are left for the House to take the issue up. Boehner's comment seems to be the nail in the coffin for immigration reform in 2013.

1. Boehner Nixes Immigration Reform in 2013
If there was any hope in passing comprehensive immigration reform before the end of the
year, such hope is lost. On Wednesday, House Speaker John Boehner repeated his
opposition to the Senate-passed immigration bill and pledged that the House would never
vote on it. "I'll make clear we have no intention ever of going to conference on the Senate
bill." While immigration reform advocates were cautiously optimistic reform would occur
before the end of the year, only 15 working days are left for the House to take the issue up.
Boehner's comment seems to be the nail in the coffin for immigration reform in 2013.
After the Democrats won the presidential election in 2012, Boehner insisted it was time for
Congress to pass immigration reform. Though Boehner is opposed to the Senate-passed
immigration bill, he still supports immigration reform if it's done in pieces. "There are
hundreds of issues involved in dealing with immigration reform, and we've got to deal with
these in a common sense way where our members understand what we're doing and their
constituents understand."
Several immigration bills have passed the House Judiciary Committee, but GOP leaders have
not scheduled any floor votes on any of them. House conservatives are strongly opposed to
any bill that provides a path to citizenship or legal status for the 11 million undocumented
workers in the U.S. While most of the proposals relate to border security and enforcement
(bills Republicans generally support), opponents feel that any negotiation with the Senate
could potentially lead to addressing questions of citizenship. As for now, it appears that any
hope of realizing comprehensive immigration reform will have to wait for 2014.
Counsel to Management: With many employers facing a labor shortage, comprehensive
immigration reform could provide much needed relief. Unfortunately, employers will have to
wait until at least 2014 to realize any potential relief. Please contact The Saqui Law Group if
you have any questions.