Immigration rights activists retool reform efforts
The Associated Press: Immigration rights activists retool reform efforts.
Activists disappointed that the Obama administration has not given immigration top billing are trying to yank the issue off the back burner by pressing ahead with lobbying and legislation plans they hope will reinvigorate reform efforts.
By honing in on national lawmakers they believe are sympathetic or can be swayed to support their cause and drawing on voters who said reform was a top priority, many immigrant rights advocates are striving to make headway at a time when the economy has become the top priority.
Many activists hoped Obama would push for immigration reform during his first 100 days in office. Some thought the president would go so far as to put a moratorium on immigration raids.
But the first hint of movement didn’t come until late last month when Obama met with about 30 lawmakers. Though some immigrant rights advocates praised the meeting and Obama’s vow to take up the issue this year, others complain he’s been too vague on his plans.