Obama Says He's Committed To Immigration Reform

President Barack Obama told Latino lawmakers on Wednesday night that he has not forgotten about his pledge to revamp the nation’s immigration system.

Speaking at an annual dinner held by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, the president said, “I will not walk away from this fight. My commitment to getting this done as soon as we can is real.”

It appeared earlier this summer that immigration had moved ahead in line on the Democrats’ agenda. But talks between the White House and Congress broke down when Republican Lindsey Graham (S.C.), a staunch supporter of the Bush immigration bill that failed in 2007, said he would withdraw his support of climate legislation if the Senate was forced to take up immigration reform.

Graham isn’t the only high-profile Republican to have backed away from immigration. Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), who co-wrote the original bill, has cooled on  supporting efforts this year, likely due to a tough primary challenge brought on by conservative former House member J.D. Hayworth. In addition, local efforts in Arizona and elsewhere to tighten enforcement of immigration laws have quieted lawmakers facing reelection. Most Democrats and moderate Republicans would prefer legislation to include provisions that would legalize those here illegally, a desire that deeply contrasts with views of anti-immigration advocates.

The president acknowledged the reality that this year’s political climate may not be conducive to passing his version of immigration reform.

“Without the kind of bipartisan effort we had just a few short years ago, we can’t get these reforms across the finish line.”