Editorial:

There have been rumblings among some Latino activist that President Obama had pushed the issue of immigration reform to the proverbial back burner  while he dealt with pressing issues such as gun control and the upcoming budget battle over the debt ceiling.

However, recent events indicate that immigration reform is at the top of the list with the President, reassuring the country that in the coming months he fully intends to put forth an ambitious overhaul of the immigration system that would include a path to citizenship for most of the 11 million illegal immigrants in the country.

This promise by the President is bolstered by the recent immigration plan put forth by rising Republican leader, Senator Marco Rubio. Rubio’s version of an immigration plan would modernize the system and at the same time include many of the Democratic principles such as a path to citizenship, reforms of the legal immigration system, and a workable employment verification system. Moreover, an important point with the Hispanic community is the issue of family unification which Rubio states: “I’m a big believer in family-based immigration.” On these points, there is common ground between the two Parties for bipartisan support, without which there will be no immigration reform. The question will then be can Rubio get enough Republicans go along with his vision.

Another key aspect of Senator Rubio’s “modernization” plan is that he is looking at the issue as an employment issue. Immigrants come to the United States to work. American industries, in particular Agriculture, survive on the backs of labors. Rubio acknowledges this fact and wants to create a more streamlined process that allows farmers the tools to import workers. Rubio is a little fuzzy on the details, but at least he recognizes the issue. At the same time, he continues to push border enforcement and E-Verify programs.

Another clear indicator that immigration reform is at the top of the to-do list this year came this week when Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy told a group at Georgetown University Law Center that he plans to make immigration a top priority. Leahy’s Judiciary Committee plays a crucial role in passing immigration legislation that includes a roadmap to citizenship for 11 million aspiring Americans.

Therefore, all signs are pointing to action on immigration this year. However, the clearest signal that immigration reform is a top priority will come in the President’s State of the Union address in February where he can lay out his plan for immigration reform.

As Frank Sharry, Executive Director of America’s Voice Education Fund, stated, “This weekend’s developments show why we are optimistic about reform in 2013. Democrats have promised it, Republicans need it and our movement is prepared to deliver it.”