SCOTT BROWN – THE WATERS ARE STILL CLEAN!

Because of the recent election victory of Republican Scott Brown to the Senate, many are worrying about the future of Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR). In the new senator’s website, Brown states the he opposes providing driver’s licenses and in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants.

Comprehensive Immigration Reform needs bi-partisan support for its enactment. It is truth that now there is one less democrat in the Senate and one more republican, but the legislation’s challenge to get republicans in favor is really still the same. It is going to be difficult but not impossible to see which secret combination will be the one that gets some republicans in favor of this legislation, but once it happens, it will most likely work for a couple more.

The key strategy right now to ensure the success of CIR is to stop letting the ones who oppose it make a big deal about it, which is trying to falsely change the public perspective on the reality of how the majority of Americans still support the legislation.

Scott Brown’s victory had to do a lot with the fact that Massachusetts has already a good health care system, which is why many of its residents oppose it. Anyhow a recent statement from a well-known anti-immigrant organization, the Federation of American Immigration Reform (FAIR), argues that Brown’s win showed that it would be "suicide" for any politician to support certain reforms.

Anyhow CIR doesn’t only still have strong support but a recent survey from Benenson Strategy Group reveals that many Republican voters are backing the legislation. The waters are still clean and we just need to keep swimming, the sharks are not real.


Dream Positive, Alonso Chehade

Congressional Liaision Report | 01.27.2010

The past few weeks have been crazy. Nothing compared to what I was used to with the comforting aura of the holidays filling the Capitol. A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to receive the first draft of the new Immigration Reform Bill (H.R. 4321). One that my Congressman was able to co-sponsor. However, last week with the election of Republican Scott Brown, I’m afraid the news are not as exciting. The fact that we have lost the 60th vote in the Senate only means that progressive reforms like this one will take all our effort and dedication to go through, and at this time I’m afraid in D.C the economy and job creation have taken the front seat. Especially because a lot of the blame on the lost seat is geared towards Martha Coakley's (Democrat opponent) focus on amnesty for undocumented immigrants. It was one of the most hurtful things I have heard this year, but we need to keep fighting!

We still have a lot to find out and I think tomorrow’s State of the Union will be an interesting way to see what’s going on, so make sure to tune in. Obama is probably going to take about an hour to explain a plan that is really going to be a bit painful. Reports say there will be a freeze on domestic spending and this will put a halt to any type of immigration reform. A few weeks ago I read an article in a magazine called Congress Daily that explained that even if Congress and the Senate are ready to talk reform, the only people that will actually get it moving are in the White House. If Obama is not willing to make it a priority, then no one else can.

I would like to add that elections are coming up. Latinos and Latinas give Democrats an incredible boost, and we need to make them aware how much our vote will count on this election year (for those of you who can vote!). If you can't vote don't hesitate and become part of a campaign that shares your ideals. Campaign for them using your Spanish and reach out to the Latino community who is documented, but needs information. Be your community liaison.

On a more positive note, I am posting a couple of videos from a great think-tank in D.C called the Center for American Progress (CAP). Enjoy!

English version:
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2010/01/kelley_video.html

Spanish version:
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2010/01/cardenas_video.html

*Visit Center for American Progress for more information*