The chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte, says that he fully expects Congress will still pursue legislation on immigration reform despite the debates over the debt limit, health care and Syria crowding the tight schedule.
Making an appearance on yesterday’s edition of WAMU’s Kojo Nnamdi Show, Goodlatte says that those other issues “should not deter us from getting to (immigration) as soon as possible.” Goodlatte adds that he expects the issue to be voted on soon, possibly as early as next month, with a series of small House bills regarding border security, guest workers, high-tech US visas and internal enforcement likely. “Those bills are ready to go on the floor of the House and it’s my hope they come to the floor of the House as soon as possible,” he revealed.
That sort of legislation may be the easy part for many Republicans, however, but more controversial issues such as how to deal with the 11 million undocumented immigrants who live in the United States today are likely to be a much thornier debate for the party. That said, Goodlatte is pointing to discussions in the House of Representatives about legislation that involves young undocumented immigrants.
Goodlatte has even indicated that there may be a bill being shaped that is “related to the status of people who are not here lawfully today, a larger group.” However, Goodlatte still maintains that Republicans in the House of Representatives will only proceed with majority party support.