By Laura Meckler and Kristina Peterson | The Wall Street Journal
House Speaker John Boehner squashed growing expectations that Congress would rewrite immigration laws this year—dealing a setback to the White House, a swath of U.S. businesses and a bloc of fellow Republicans seeking to improve their party’s chances with Hispanic voters.
Republican House Speaker John Boehner on Capitol Hill on Thursday. Getty Images
Rank-and-file Republicans have voiced few complaints about the GOP’s latest ideas for an immigration overhaul, which include some legal status for most of the 11.5 million people in the U.S. illegally. But many balked at debating an issue that divides Republicans and feared giving the president a legislative victory in an election year. Some suggested pushing the issue to 2015, when Republicans might have control of the Senate and more leverage.
Many in GOP ranks also expressed distrust that President Barack Obama would enforce any law they pass. “There’s widespread doubt about whether this administration can be trusted to enforce our laws,” Mr. Boehner told reporters. “It’s going to be difficult to move any immigration legislation until that changes.”
