Harsh words in Washington are revealing the tough political challenge when it comes to reforming America’s immigration system. A leaked Obama administration draft bill may have disrupted delicate, closed-door negotiations between Democratic and Republican lawmakers attempting to craft comprehensive bipartisan legislation.
What will become of more than 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States? An administration proposal leaked to a U.S. newspaper would establish a path to permanent legal residency - a gateway to eventual citizenship.
But Republican lawmakers are angry over the disclosure, accusing President Obama of preempting bipartisan efforts.
“By giving advantage to those who cut in front of the line for immigrants who come here legally, not dealing with border security adequately, that tells me he is looking for partisan advantage,” said Congressman Paul Ryan.
“Does the president want a result? Or does he want another cudgel [weapon] to beat up Republicans?,” said Senator John McCain
In fact, Obama had already put Capitol Hill on notice.
“If Congress cannot come up with a plan in a timely fashion, I will send up mine,” Obama said.
As lawmakers’ tempers flared, White House officials scrambled to respond.
“I hope that Republicans and Democrats up there do not get involved in some kind of typical Washington back-and-forth sideshow here and rather just roll up their sleeves and get to work,” said the president’s chief of staff, Denis McDonough.
Reform proponents say America has a rare opportunity to act. “For the first time ever, there is more political risk in opposing immigration reform than in supporting it,” said Democratic Senator Charles Schumer.
But opponents fear reform efforts will encourage more illegal immigration. Jim Gilchrist founded a citizens’ group that patrols America’s border with Mexico.
"If we are going to grant amnesty to 15- to 30-million people who are here illegally now, we are going to be granting amnesty to 300 million who will follow them over the next several decades," he said.
Yet analysts see an emerging consensus in Washington on immigration reform.
“There is agreement on the need for more border security. There is agreement on the need for mandatory employment verification. There is agreement on doing something with unauthorized immigrants and allowing them some level of legal status,” said Michelle Mittelstadt of the Migration Policy Institute.
But friction over the White House draft bill shows that change is far from assured.
“This [initiative] could blow up [fall apart] at any moment. I think this controversy over the leaked White House proposal and the very strong reaction from Republicans is just a sign of how high the stakes are and the fact that this will remain a very complicated and contentious process,” Mittelstadt said.
Obama has advocated immigration reform since taking office. Republicans have warmed to the initiative since last year’s presidential contest, which Mr. Obama won with strong support from Hispanic and Asian voters.
国内英语资讯:China, Uzbekistan reaffirm commitment to strengthening ties
卢森堡成为全球首个公共交通免费国家
国内英语资讯:Intl community speaks positively of Chinas contributions in fight against COVID-19
国内英语资讯:Chinas e-commerce giant JD.com delivers solid quarterly results, shares surge
体坛英语资讯:Hong Kongs Lee beats Chinese star Shi for mens singles semis
国内英语资讯:China promotes online vocational skills training
美国网红男子自制火箭上天,摔死了
水果姐在节目录制现场因燃气泄漏晕倒
国际英语资讯:First U.S. coronavirus death confirmed in Washington state
体坛英语资讯:Indonesian team to train in Thailand for 2020 AFC U19 championship
国际英语资讯:WHO chief says South Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan greatest concern for COVID-19
推特出了个很好的新功能,特朗普估计乐坏了
体坛英语资讯:Determined Klinsmann facing his dark past
国内英语资讯:Xinhua Headlines-Xi Focus: Xi stresses COVID-19 scientific research during Beijing inspectio
疫情当前,中国的这波操作被CNN盯上了……
体坛英语资讯:Guangdong trounce Shandong to extend 12-game winning streak in CBA
麦当劳推出香薰蜡烛!但这个香型你可能会怕
国际英语资讯:Death toll in Indian capital communal violence rises to 46
体坛英语资讯:Real Madrid sleep as leaders on Saturday after beating Sevilla
国际英语资讯:S.Korea confirms 477 more cases of COVID-19, 4,812 in total
国际英语资讯:Philippines not seeking new military pact with U.S.: presidential spokesman
娱乐英语资讯:Intl charity concert held in London to support Chinas fight against COVID-19
国际英语资讯:Over 1,800 test positive for coronavirus in Italy as death toll reaches 52
在国外要慎用的8个英语单词[1]
体坛英语资讯:Chicago Fire FC sign Slovenian striker Beric from Saint-Etienne
体坛英语资讯:Shanxi defeats Nanjing 96-86 in CBA
国内英语资讯:Hubei receives over 1.86 billion USD of donations amid epidemic
国际英语资讯:U.S.-sponsored talks on Nile dam bring no deal
疫情下的中国人万事皆可"云"
国内英语资讯:China ramps up efforts to help small businesses tide over tough time