According to a report in the New York Times, President Barack Obama hopes to present an immigration reform this year, which he will seek to put some pressure on the members of the U.S. Congress for the creation of this reform that could benefit 11 million people who are in this country illegally.

While Republicans propose to separate immigrants into groups which their members will be more likely to accept, Democrats want to keep the field even as a whole. It is anticipated that the first few months of Obama's second term will be best time for any new law to be approved.

For the White House, to change and regulate the status of these migrants is not a gift. It is a new way for these new immigrants with legal status to contribute towards the recovery of the U.S., by paying taxes and fines, along with the rest of the responsibilities that comes along with a citizen who is committed to his country.

New York Senator, Charles E. Schumer, said that the issue was important to both parties, and that discussions on gun control and fiscal problems would not be an obstacle to submit proposals towards these new immigration laws.

Schumer said that the new law would lead to the opportunity to obtain U.S. citizenship after following the proper steps of the long process,

and that the Democrats will not accept a bill that does not come with it.

It is importantly to highlight that in the November 2012 elections, 71% of the Latino vote went to Barack Obama. Many members of the Latino community indicated that because of the neglect for immigration reform and policies by Republicans, those were the main reason for not supporting the party in November. Republicans now might be getting closer to the community, while Democrats show that they can keep a promise.

Brenda.Colon@sandiegored.com

Omar.Martinez@sandiegored.com