Immigration reform untouchable for now

WASHINGTON, July 25 (UPI) -- A key U.S. Democrat predicted his party won't reintroduce immigration reform until at least the second term of a prospective Democratic president.

U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, D-Ill., chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, blamed Republicans for botching this year's immigration debate and said that makes it tougher for Democrats to return to the issue, The Washington Times reported Wednesday.

"Congressman Emanuel has worked hard to make comprehensive immigration reform a reality and that work continues," Nick Papas, Emanuel's spokesman told the Times. "However, President Bush and congressional Republicans' failure on this critical matter has set back efforts to enact real reform."

Juan Salgado, board chairman of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, called the delay a "lack of courage on what they know is right," the Times said.