State leaders complain of federal inaction on immigration reform

Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, wasn't surprised by news this week that federal lawmakers decided to put off hashing out immigration reform, and instead hold hearings.

"Congress is doing what it does best," Bramble said. "Nothing."

Bramble was speaking of a move by House leaders that makes any immigration reform legislation unlikely this year. Instead, Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., announced plans for hearings to begin in August on Senate-passed immigration legislation.

"The frustration is it continues to be left to the states to deal with these issues," Bramble said.

State lawmakers have long complained federal inaction has left them in a bind when it comes to dealing with a growing number of illegal immigrants.

One of those problems is illegal immigrant drivers. In 2005 Bramble sponsored a controversial bill to create a driving privilege card, which allowed illegal immigrants to drive legally with insurance, but not to access citizenship rights with a driver's license.

A nationwide poll of "likely Republican voters" suggests voters also want to see a solution. Illegal immigration ranked second only to terrorism and national security on a list of top 10 issues in the poll of 800 people contacted June 12-15 by the Tarrance Group for the Manhattan Institute. It has a 3.5 percent margin of error.

The poll found 40 percent of the likely Republican voters felt it is "extremely important" that Congress solve illegal immigration problems this year. But 74 percent said Congress' action or lack thereof on immigration will not affect whether they vote in November.

Last December, the House passed a measure to bolster border security and stiffen penalties. The Senate recently passed a measure which would include an eventual pathway to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants.

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, who voted against the Senate bill, said he understands state frustration but contends that Congress is committed to immigration reform. Hatch had expected to be part of a conference committee with the House.

"I can understand why the House wants to examine a bill they've never seen," Hatch said. "That's their prerogative. Congress needs to move quickly to protect our borders, but we can't be so over-eager to get a law passed that we pass the wrong law."

U.S. Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, who also had hoped to be part of the conference committee said the hearings make it unlikely that there will be any resolution to the issue before the November elections.