Schumer proposes delay for blocked immigration reform
WASHINGTON Sen. Chuck Schumer proposed a fix Sunday for Republicans who are blocking immigration reform because they dont trust President Obama to implement it fairly: Make the next president do it.
Theres a simple solution: Lets enact the law this year, but simply not let it actually start till 2017, after President Obamas term is over, Schumer (D-NY) said on NBCs Meet the Press.
Lets say to our Republican colleagues, You dont trust Obama? Enact the law now, but put it into effect in 2017 and we can get something real done for America, said Schumer, the third highest ranking Senate Democrat.
Schumer said that passing immigration reform will only get more difficult in 2015 and 2016 amid the presidential campaigns.
House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) last week said immigration reform likely wouldnt pass this year, mostly due to widespread doubt about whether this administration can be trusted to enforce our laws.
Republicans fear that Obama, who has selective implemented provisions of ObamaCare, will ignore border security and interior enforcement measures, while granting legal status to millions of undocumented residents.
Boehners office bristled at Schumers plan.
The suggestion is entirely impractical, since it would totally eliminate the Presidents incentive to enforce immigration law for the remainder of his term, Boehner spokesman Michael Steel told The Post.
House Republicans last week came up with an outline for immigration reform that was heavy on tough border security and interior enforcement.
They also endorsed legal status for Americans estimated 12 million undocumented residents, stopping short of the 13-year path to citizenship endorsed by Obama and included in a bipartisan Senate bill passed last year.
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