MALDEF leader expects Comprehensive Immigration Reform may have to come in pieces
Saturday, September 26, 2009
By Carl Braun
Examiner.com
MALDEF CEO & General Council Saenz
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The leader of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund MALDEF is not so sure he’ll see immigration reform anytime soon. Which is why Thomas Saenz, President and General Council of MALDEF says he’ll be content getting it in pieces if Comprehensive Reform isn’t possible.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Saenz cited the tough road ahead for President Obama. He believes that instead of pushing for comprehensive reform in a potentially hostile political environment, congress should take up the issue gradually and in smaller ways. For example, lawmakers could independently address the need for foreign agricultural workers, provide legal status to high school graduates brought to the country illegally as children, and create equity for same sex partners who want to come to the U.S. or get green cards.
"As of right now, I have not been convinced that comprehensive immigration reform cannot move in 2010, so it needs to move. It needs to include all of these elements and many more," Saenz said. "If that is not possible, then I'm interested in discussing this idea of down payments with a commitment to fulfill the obligation through comprehensive immigration reform that is not postponed indefinitely."
If those statements confuse you…you are not alone.
This marks the first time a leader of a major pro-illegal immigration organization has publicly suggested the comprehensive reform be cut up into smaller pieces should the overall package meet with fierce resistance. While the political landscape takes form, Saenz would like the Obama administration to start delivering on campaign promises he made to the Latino community by fixing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and suspending the 287G protocols that allow local and state law enforcement to enforce immigration laws; something he believes has led to civil rights abuses and racial profiling.
Faced with defeat, the Democrats will be left with nothing else to do but push for reform in pieces. In my August 26th article, Don’t look now. Immigration Reform is coming in the back door, I warned of this tactic. The Obama Administration will likely not pursue a second major initiative next year if healthcare fails. He will however make sure that a flurry of amendments to unrelated legislation get’s Mr. Saenz’ his “down payments” towards immigration reform until such time as a watered down bill can make it through Congress. DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, will also put further restrictions on ICE, shutting down workplace raids and further diminishing the role local law enforcement plays in the process.
Make no mistake about it. Stopping amnesty in the public forum will almost certainly result in it taking a road less traveled but equally as disturbing and effective.
Carl Braun is an analyst for the Homeland Security Policy Institute Group and he's logged 5,000-plus hours on the border. He has written several books including his most recent on Border Insecurity, “Above All Else”
. Contact Carl at Carl.Braun@BPAUX.org.
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