The Economist: America’s Federal Government Shuts Down Over Immigration

Immigration policy is the point of contention for US Congress struggling to pass a spending bill: specifically, ending temporary status for young immigrants who were brought to the United States as children and invested in education, careers, homes and community based on a shield us provided by the Obama administration. That status ends in March. That quarrel led to a shutdown of the US federal government. A continuing resolution on spending requires 60 votes, demanding bipartisan cooperation, but also unleashing short-term spending bills with back-and-forth bargaining. Republicans expressed willingness to reauthorize the Children’s Health Insurance Program for poor families. Indeed states that vote for Republicans have more enrollees than states regarded as Democratic. That program was funded for six more years. Democrats are taking a stand on immigration and the plight of Dreamers: More than 80 percent of all Americans support a plan for Dreamers, but hard-line Republican opponents to immigration oppose a legislative fix. The Senate has reached a deal with Republican leaders promising to debate and vote on the issue. The president vacillates on taking sides, torn between vehement immigration opponents and widespread support for a solution. The agreement would keep the government open through February 8. – YaleGlobal