Last Tuesday, President Obama said he will not suspend deportation. Last year he suspended deportation for certain youth with no status. He did so by way of an executive order. Since Congress was moving slowly to pass reform this summer, many thought Obama would issue an executive order permitting 11 million undocumented immigrants to remain lawfully in the United States, similar to the executive order issued last summer.

Immigration reform suffered yet another blow Thursday when House Republic leader Bob Goodlatte stated that the law currently provides a path for some undocumented immigrants to obtain status. These paths to citizenship include military, education, and employment in specific fields. Additionally, immigrants can obtain status through sponsorship by a family member or sponsorship by an employer. House Republican leader Goodlatte is correct in asserting that there are laws on the books which permit immigration, however, that does not resolve the issue of lasting immigration reform. Further, Representative Goodlatte's statements imply that his party is not intent on passing reform in the house, at least during the current session.

Last week's statements by both President Obama and House Republican leader Bob Goodlatte are not steps in the right direction, advocates vow to continue their fight for immigration reform, and as the immigrant population grows along with the Hispanic electorate, there is hope for the future.