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America's Voice
Founder and Executive Director of America's Voice, which supports comprehensive immigration reform; former executive director of the National Immigration Forum
PROFILE
Frank Sharry
Guest
FROM Frank Sharry
To the Point
Undocumented Parents and the Supreme Court Today the Supreme Court heard a case that could determine the fate of President Obama's most sweeping executive action on deportation. It would also drastically change the lives of some four million undocumented immigrants in the US. The President's 2014 plan would delay the deportation of parents of children who are US citizens or permanent legal residents, and offer them temporary work permits. But it's been on hold since it was announced 18 months ago because of court challenges, leaving immigrants across the nation in limbo -- the majority of whom have been in the country for ten years or more. The case lands in a presidential campaign already swirling with talk of a wall on the Mexican border. Will the shorthanded high court end in a 44 deadlock?
To the Point
Immigration Reform: A Push from the Right A so-called "conservative fly-in" of 600 corporate executives, police chiefs, farmers and evangelicals rallied at the Chamber of Commerce office on Capitol Hill today. They're smaller in number than the crowds of immigration advocates who've appeared on the Washington Mall, but this time some Republicans might be listening. About 80 GOP members may need the support of Latino voters badly enough to agree to some form of legalization and a "path to citizenship." Does this leadership-lobby have the clout to get immigration reform moving again? Does it have the backing of its own grassroots members?
To the Point
Immigration Reform: The Debate Begins Yesterday, the US Senate voted 82 to 15 to let immigration reform come to the floor for the first time in decades. The vote was overwhelming, but nobody thinks it guarantees passage, and some opponents are pushing what supporters call "poison pills." Today, Senators on both sides of the aisle were lined up with amendments. There are bitter differences over border security, the need for workers and whether jobs should be saved for those born in this country. Democrats want to cement their hold on Hispanic voters. Some Republicans want to woo them away. But, is the "path to citizenship" really "amnesty?" We hear about the opening act of a drama that's taken decades to reach the political stage and we'll look at possible outcomes.
To the Point
Immigration Reform and Presidential Politics "Comprehensive immigration reform" was a promise of Barack Obama 's first presidential campaign. Now he's returned to it as he tries for a second term. With Americans in a state of high anxiety over unemployment, that means finding economic arguments for welcoming newcomers into the country. Has President Obama been tough enough on border control, or too tough? Does reform have a chance with Congress so polarized before next year's elections? Will the courts allow states like Arizona to make immigration policy the federal government can't or won't?
To the Point
Congress Dragging Its Feet on Immigration Reform As Congress returns from its August recess, a CNN poll finds that 76 percent of Americans are angry about the way the country's being run. The number planning to back a challenger in November's elections is higher than it was in 1994, when the Republicans took control from the Democrats. President Bush made immigration reform a priority for this year, and Republicans held 20 hearings last month all over the country. So, why has it dropped off their agenda? Will the GOP or the Democrats take the heat for a lack of action next time voters go to the polls?
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