Immigration Back in National Debate

Four years ago immigration was a heated debate throughout the country, but two years later the nation's borders were hardly mentioned during the presidential race. Here is a newsflash for congressional candidates, immigration is back and the issue is hotter than ever.

Arizona taking immigration matters has reignited the debate and it is spreading like wildfire. Although the law is currently in court and will not take effect until later this month if left unblocked, the Arizona state statute may determine which party takes Congress in the upcoming midterm elections in addition to 37 governor's seats. With Democratic Senate Leader Harry Reid already taking the heat in Nevada and the Republican Meg Whiteman running for governor in California, immigration is already shaping up to be one of the biggest issues of the year.

Earlier this week, nine attorney generals - including three Republicans running for governor - filed a brief legally supporting Arizona's actions. In addition there are two polling trends which are in stark contrast to one another. The first polling trend shows that most Americans consistently support the Arizona law. Separate surveys show overwhelming support in some of the states which filed the brief backing Arizona. On the other side of the spectrum, Latinos, who are becoming one of the largest voting blocks in the nation, are unanimous in their opposition of the measure.

Some say that the current immigration issue is only a sign of the people's frustration with the federal government. Arizona argues their passing of the law by claiming the federal government had not taken any significant action to help states with illegal immigration. Now that immigration has been put back on the table and is affecting elections, the federal government may not have a choice but to take some serious action.

Sources:
USA Today
Los Angeles Times
The New York Times