The New York Times is reporting that the Obama administration will take up immigration with a speech in May, “working groups” this summer, and perhaps legislation in the fall. The speculation had been that Obama’s chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, would oppose a serious push until after the president had been safely reelected. Maybe John McCain’s reported outburst prodded the White House along!
UPDATE: Of the various options Phil outlines for what Obama is doing, I think this is the most likely:
“Perhaps he doesn’t really plan on pushing this hard, but wants to make some noise on the issue to reassure restive Hispanic groups that immigration reform is still a priority for him.”
