When Will House Republicans’ Excuses on Immigration Reform End?

Two days after the 2012 election, Speaker Boehner, the leader of the House Republicans, had this to say about immigration reform:

"I think a comprehensive approach [to immigration reform] is long overdue…And I'm confident that the President, myself, and others can find the common ground to take care of this issue once and for all."

Boehner hasn't been alone.  Other Republican Members of the Conference have echoed similar sentiments:

Congressman Diaz-Balart:  "we are close to passing immigration legislation. I'm convinced it can happen this year."

Congressman Paul Ryan: "We'll be bringing legislation to the floor. I do think we'll go to conference [with the Senate] with immigration reform."

Republican Conference Chair McMorris Rodgers: "…there's still time [in 2013]. We must pass immigration reform…it's a priority for Republicans…it's important to America...our economy.  America has long been the land of immigrants."

Majority Whip McCarthy: "[immigration reform is not] dead…it is going to happen…"

Majority Leader Cantor: "I expect us to move forward this year in trying to address reform and what is broken about our system."

However, all of that talk hasn't led to action on reform.  In fact, the majority of the American public is left pondering the following:

• Why has the Republican leadership only allowed votes on items from the dark vein of intolerance caucus that threaten and jeopardize the lives of DREAMers with extreme measures that would result in their deportation?

• Why hasn't there been bipartisan immigration legislation coming from House Republicans, who have attempted to rebrand themselves by holding courses on how to talk to women and minorities?

• If House Republicans won't sign a #DemandAVote discharge petition to bring H.R. 15 to the floor for a vote, when will they introduce their own proposal?

The Republican empty hypocritical rhetoric has reached all corners of our country, frustrating Americans everywhere.  It's been a year since the Senate introduced their version of bipartisan immigration reform – and more than 275 days since they passed a bill.  H.R. 15 – bipartisan immigration reform – has 200 cosponsors and 191 signatures on the discharge petition.

House Democrats join the American people in demanding action now.  It's time for Speaker Boehner and House Republicans to end this avalanche of excuses and answer the American people with common-sense, empirical solutions that would unite families, secure our borders, protect our workers, and provide a pathway to citizenship.  With the support of House Democrats and at least 30 House Republicans, there are enough votes to pass comprehensive immigration reform now.  How much longer are the American people expected to wait, Mr. Speaker?