The best chance for Comprehensive Immigration Reform in manyyears was squandered in 2013. Anexciting spring led to a successfulbipartisan Senate Bill 744 in June. That bill was never seriously considered by the House. Tea Party Republicans effectively heldcontrol of the Republican Party’s majority power and refused to allow CIR tocome to a vote in spite of Majority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) interest in animmigration bill.
The Tea Party wing may have overplayed its hand in October’sbudget battle that shut down the federal government. After several weeks both parties’ centristswrestled control back from the extremists and compromised on a bill to end thegovernment shut-down. The wrestling backof control may have signaled that the centrists are ready to lead. If so, Comprehensive Immigration Reform mayonce again be targeted as the type of policy that both parties can getbehind.
Most significantly, Maj. Leader Boehner hired Becky Tallent in December 2013. Ms. Tallent is a long-time advisor to Sen.John McCain (R-AZ) who has repeatedly made reform the United States’immigration laws a priority. Reportedly, Ms. Tallent’s hire wasmade because of Rep. Boehner’s desire for an immigration bill.