Just now I sat down in a plush leather chair in room 1131 of the Longworth House Office Building -  to put your questions about the economy to Rep. Steve King, Republican of Iowa and well-known opponent of immigration, government regulation and just about everything folks in the Democratic Party hold dear. The irony was not lost on either of us that Al Gore once occupied the same office now held by a man who thinks global warming is bogus.
   read more »

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano unveiled the administration's plans for immigration reform Friday at the Center for American Progress in downtown Washington.  It was standing room only for the much anticipated speech.  But she didn't make much news nor did she announce imminent action with respect to Congress.
   read more »

A large crowd of immigrants and activists gathered on Capitol Hill to call for immediate action on immigration reform.  They chanted, prayed and told stories of hardship.  But it seems many Washington power brokers were not paying attention.  Instead all eyes were on the Senate Finance Committee health care vote.    
   read more »

President Obama used his Sunday talk show blitz to continue selling his health care reform proposal.  But on Spanish-language network Univision, he also tackled another big item on the to-do list – immigration reform.    read more »

Ever wonder what it's like pounding the ornate tiled floors of the U.S. Capitol to get a lawmaker to answer a question he really doesn't want to answer? Watch this 'look behind the scenes' with the Capitol News Connection reporting team as they track down Senators and Representatives to get your questions answered.

   read more »

In a Center for Immigration Studies discussion, some panelists indirectly addressed CATO’s claims that the flow of immigrant low skilled workers is good for the American economy (see previous post).

Like many things in Washington, debating this issue is like playing tennis. Lawmakers and advocates go back and forth with compelling statistics and case studies.  read more »

The Immigration Policy Center is applauding new Census data showing the increased electoral strength of minorities. The report shows that when comparing the 2004 and 2008 elections, the number of Latino voters increased by more than 28%, Asians by more than 21%, and African Americans by about 15%.

The Center points out minority voters were a major factor in President Barack Obama’s victory. And it warns politicians to remember the numbers when making decisions affecting these groups with increasing clout.  read more »

Those pushing for comprehensive immigration reform are still reeling from President Obama’s comments in Mexico saying the real debate may not happen until next year. With the health care discussion and regulation of the markets already on the agenda, Mr. Obama seems to be stating the obvious.  read more »

North Carolina’s Heath Shuler says good bills are worth fighting for. That’s why, despite failing to make it to the House floor once before, he’s reintroducing legislation he says will go along way in dealing with America’s illegal immigration problem. The S.A.V.E. Act, which stands for Secure America through Verification and Enforcement, would beef up border patrols and mandate the use of E-Verify to help employers check a worker’s status.  read more »