White House Holds Immigration Meetings

Immigration took center stage today as President Obama met with Senators Schumer and Graham about their legislation, and with Comprehensive Immigration Reform Advocates. You can read about it here, here and here.

Katie Connolly at Newsweek does a good job of summing up the political realities, especially as it relates to our 21st Century Electorate findings:

The political strategy of attempting immigration reform this year is curious, especially after the epic health-care-reform drama of the past year. Why would Democrats want to pursue such a hot-button, culturally divisive issue this year? They're already looking like they'll have a pretty depressing performance in the polls this November. Surely they'd want to shy away from championing an issue so easily demagogued by Fox News? Do they really want to get into the inevitable fight with organized labor over guest workers in an election year, especially when, after the Citizens United ruling, union dollars will be more valuable than ever? Surely they're not that self-sabotaging.

But maybe there is strategic political wisdom in bringing immigration to the fore. It's the sort of issue that could energize two key demographics for Democrats: young people and Hispanics. Both groups played important roles in propelling Obama to victory in 2008, and both are showing signs that they're not motivated to turn out this fall. Putting immigration reform in the headlines could change that.

Today's meetings are an important indicator that President Obama and his administration remain committed to Comprehensive Reform - even if the legislative timeline is uncertain.