Essentially AILA reports that there has been a lot of “finger-pointing” that has escalated in the last week since the Senate failed to reach agreement about the procedure for moving forward with a bi-partisan comprehensive immigration reform.  Moreover, my firm has learned that the struggle between Democrats and Republicans has made immigration reform too important to be passed before the November, 2006 elections.  Essentially, both parties want to hold immigration reform over voter heads.  The Democrats do not want the Republicans passing immigration reform before the election because to do so would create Republican strength in a new population of “legalized” people.  Therefore, the sentiment in Washington, D.C., is that it is better to stall the issue until after November 2006.

This type of ridiculous bickering has been and continues to be the root lack of progress in this country.  The constant competition between the parties has stalled progress perpetually.  This is yet another illustration of the same old story.  I think politicians think the public at large is a bunch of idiots with whom they can play their mind games.  To think that a person will label himself or herself a “Republican for Life” is sad.  Then again, there has been evidence of “staunch Republicanism” or being a “Democrat for life” self-identification so maybe it is our fault as constituents.  The truth is that if progress is to be made focus must be made on issues.  Whether it be the public or the politicians, one needs to stop playing schoolyard games of taking either end of the playground and putting up a fight.  Your identity as a Republican or a Democrat should be altogether abolished.  If one continues to “identify” with either party, you are simply pushing the problem.

The solution is real simple, focus on the issues and contact your leadership accordingly.  Tell them, I do not think of my self as a Democrat or a Republican on this issue, I think of myself as an American and this is where I stand.  Personally, I think this type of cohesion is becoming increasingly necessary in a global environment.  Long gone are the days of isolationism wherein one could divide issues as a nation.  Now, whether it be terrorism, economics or immigration, the issue is a global one that reaches outside of the playground and into the World.  Other people in the World will witness our cohesion or lack thereof and evaluate our strength accordingly.  Americans need to know where we stand with the current issue of Immigration so no mixed messages are sent and progress can materialize.  Contact your Congressman or Senator and let them know where you stand as an American.

Written by:
Sanjay S. Mathur; Mathur Law Offices, P.C.