"Ugly fight forecast for immigration reform". (Prospects influenced by the fate of HCR.)

[pampango]

http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/08/ugly-fight-forecast-for-immigration-reform/

"If President Barack Obama wins the healthcare battle, the odds are probably 50-50 he’ll be able to convince Congress to pass immigration reform, said Kareem Crayton, associate professor of law and political science at USC. “If he doesn’t get (healthcare) passed, it’s not all that different from zero,” Crayton said, suggesting that on both issues the president has to unify his party — Blue Dogs and liberals — on a shared vision of reform. “The whole battle here is whether Barack Obama can get the Democratic coalition together.”"

"Obama may try to follow the path of Ronald Reagan and Franklin Roosevelt, said Robert Kaufman, public policy professor at Pepperdine University. Both men were elected because they represented sweeping change. To take advantage of their momentum, they tackled as much dramatic change as early as possible in their tenures."

"Kaufman, a Republican, predicted the battle over immigration reform will become more complex and contested if it’s proven healthcare reform will provide government benefits for illegal immigrants. "

"The issue is a boogeyman conservatives trot out to drum up opposition, said Angie Kelley of the liberal think tank, Center for American Progress. She thinks the answer is in addressing both issues: Reforming healthcare and creating a way for undocumented people to gain legal status. Earlier this summer, Kelley worried Obama was pedaling away from immigration. Her fears were addressed when she and other immigration advocates met with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. Obama dropped in on the meeting to show his support for reform."