Durbin Also Uncertain on Immigration Reform in 2010

Senate Leader Adds Name to Doubters for Immigration Reform

Dick Durbin (D-Ill) told the Bill Press radio show, a liberal program, that immigration is an unlikely possibility for the current legislative year. "It's unlikely we'll get to it this year, " Durbin said.

Of the possibilities of introducing a bill into the floors of Congress this year, the Majority Whip hinted the uphill battle the Democrats will face pointing out the defeat of three-term Republican Bob Bennett from Utah who lost the possibility for reelection over the weekend. "Can we do it? Unlikely. You saw what happened in Utah to Bob Bennett." Bennett, a supporter of Obama's health care reform and other legislative efforts, were deemed too leftist for his constituency. 

The Senate Majority Whip said the political environment would make it very hard for the Democrats to push for immigration reform this year. The falling out from members of Congress over immigration reform keeps rising. With rising tension from the passage of SB 1070, the growing climate of apprehension over any immigration reform continues and the growth of the Tea Party Movement. Republican Lindsay has already thrown in the towel for immigration legislation this year. Obama has hinted about merely establishing a discussion about the topic this year, with a possiblity of introducing a solid proposal for the following year. 

The list of of members of Congress who've become turncoats on the issue include former presidential candidate John McCain (R- Az) who is in a reelection in his home state in this mid-term election year. McCain a once-ardent proponent for humane immigration reform is supportive of the SB 1070. 


The members of Congress who are considering an introduction of an immigration bill keeps rising. There seems to be a lack of urgency. 

- fher