Obama and Immigration

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There are eleven million undocumented immigrants in the U.S. At this time, immigration officials operate on a quota system that demands 400,000 deportations per year. In 2012, Latino and Asian-American voters chose Obama by a 3 to 1 ratio. Romney also criticized Obama for promising immigration reform, but failing to deliver during his first four years in office. All of this means that Obama will need to take action on immigration reform during his upcoming term.

Immigration is a risky subject for politicians. Democratic strategists are aiming for the beginning of 2013, the first months after inauguration as the key time for immigration reform. Current reform legislation includes versions of the Dream Act as well as stiff penalties for those who employ illegal immigrants. The focus on illegal immigration comes at a time when illegal immigration is down and yet enforcement levels are at a maximum.

Republicans are pushing for a slower effort in both economic change and immigration policy, including bills that would help foreign entrepreneurs, farmers and technology workers. On the other hand, the president favors an "all-in" approach, a bill that is broad in its outlook.