ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the internal obstacles to immigration reform in the United States in the decade and a half since 2000. This impasse had serious consequences for the immigrant community in the United States particularly those of Latin American origin, which is currently the largest group of immigrants. The chapter analyzes the demographic importance of this migratory wave for the United States, and for Latin America, as an escape valve, a sanctuary, and a source of remittances. It explores the internal political factors that have affected the migratory debate, which have made immigration reform unviable. The chapter reviews the failure of the Latino communities in the United States to affect the debate despite their numbers, and the inability of the affected Latin American countries to lobby effectively in Washington. It examines the effects of the migration impasse, the concentration on security issues, the attempts by states and localities to influence the issue, and the Obama administration's reliance on executive action.
