The state law in Arizona that cracks down on the undocumented has spurred louder calls for immigration reform at the federal level. However a UW-Madison political scientist doubts that will happen.
Professor Barry Burden says elected officials with extreme positions on the left and right hold up policy changes. Burden notes the similarities of the positions of President George W. Bush, who unsuccessfully tried to pass immigration reform, compared to President Barack Obama or Senator John McCain.
Burden says with two US Senators indicating, most notably Lindsey Graham, stating they will hold up activity, lawmakers are especially apprehensive to take up the issue. He predicts Congress will speed its remaining time in session focusing on energy, education and the economy.
However the UW professor says the immigration debate could likely come up on campaign trails, even here in Wisconsin in the race for Governor or the legislature.
Prof. Burden (:29)
Groups on both sides of the immigration debate are blaming the federal government’s years of inactivity for Arizona passing such a law.