After being stalled for years - and being virulently opposed by some - comprehensive immigration reform seems poised to be quickly passed into law. Here are a variety of stories that try to figure out how this happened, and what the consequences are likely to be:
- The Washington Post describes the "gang of eight," the bipartisan group of Senators who worked out a ill in the Senate. The New York Times covers similar ground.
- They also discuss the more liberal alternative likely to be offered by the President, and the measured reception the Senate plan received in the House.
- Forbes wonders if this will end the alliance between the Tea Party and the Republicans - which makes me wonder if Democrats see this as a wedge issue that could weaken Republicans prior to the 2014 election.
- Speculation exists that the Republican Party has shifted on the issue because of the overwhelming number of Latino voters that voted for Obama in 2012. Many were turned of by the tough talk about immigration. There are indications that the party's positions on social issues might lure Latinos their way.
- But not everyone agrees that that is likely. David Frum does not think the deal will help Republicans gain Latino voters.
More to come as the issue heats up.
No word yet on where Texas stands on this, but we tend to be lenient on immigration matters. We have to.
