8/15/2007

The voting record reflects that the cloture motion was defeated primarily by the Democrats rather than the Republicans. There were a number of Democrat Senators who jumped ship, particularly far-left Democrats. After the defeat, Sen. Reid made a statement that this defeat was for this session of the Congress and there would be another after the Summer break. However, it is consensus that the CIR (Comprehensive Immigration Reform) is gone and will remain gone for a long time.

Probably this is the only immigration reform bill in our history that practically everyone hated. Why? Far-right group hated it because of the far-left agenda in it, far-left group hated it because of the far-right agenda, and independent or middle of the road group hated it because of the far-right and far-left agenda and no middle of the ground in the bill. 

The pro-Democrat agenda of illegal immigration relief and family-based immigration was assaulted by the far-right group from all directions and with a far-right restrictive bills with no room for compromise. The pro-Republican agenda of employment-based immigration was not only assaulted by the pro-left group backed by labor unions but also assaulted by the far-right group itself in the name of point-system. 

The next CIR may be brought up probably not until the next Administration after 2008 national election. The nation may be better off without the term "Comprehensive Immigration Reform." The past three years of painful and sour experiences with the CIR clearly indicate that the comprehensive immigration reform can also be achieved through piecemeal immigration reforms. 

There is absolutely no reason why all the immigration issues must be resolved and reformed in a single bill. If the country has a leadership, their vision will direct various piecemeal immigration reforms into a consistent matter for the best interest of the nation and the people.

The nation is in despair at this time. The Congress' job is however not over with the death of the CIR. They should pick up various immigration bills piece by piece when they return from the Summer recess and pass legislations one at a time. Yes, the nation's immigration system is broken. But the comprehensive approach should never be taken as the sole medicine and panacea. Let's fix arms now, and next fix legs, next fix head, and next body. 

The nation should be no longer obsessed with the comprehensive immigration reform legislation. Let's tackle very pressing immigration issues one by one. There are a host of immigration bills that have been introduced and pending in the Congress.