Boehner Closes Door on 2013 Reform

House Republican leader John Boehner closed the door today on immigration reform in 2013, again rejecting the possibility of a comprehensive immigration reform bill in favor of a “piece-by-piece” immigration debate.  Such a debate won’t happen this year–House Republicans have allowed only one vote on immigration policy all year long.  That legislation, introduced by Steve King (R-IA), would end DACA benefits for Dreamer kids.  Now more than ever, it looks like comprehensive immigration reform will only come about if Democrats can win a majority in the House in 2014.  House Republicans’ unwillingness to take up comprehensive immigration reform in the face of tremendous pressure from traditional Republican constituents (i.e., business groups, religious groups) this year suggests there simply is no persuading enough Republicans to move this issue.