A Complicated Congress for Obama

Among the difficulties facing the president of the United States is the possibility of immigration reform for illegal immigrants.

The Republican opposition that took control of Congress this week could paralyze the executive branch, led by Barack Obama; reverse health care reform; and, for millions of immigrants, prevent legalization of their promised comprehensive immigration reform.

The last two years of Obama’s presidency might be mired in a weak economic recovery and an unemployment rate of almost 10 percent. The American people had great hopes and expectations for the change Obama promised, but being an ardent opponent of an unpopular government is not the same as attempting to navigate a ship through times of crisis.

Republicans have certainly used that truth to win the elections, and now they are seeking to blame Obama for the ills caused by the Bush administration. Republican leaders have spoken openly of sabotaging the Obama administration; that could have serious consequences, not only for the U.S., but also for the foreign policy of that government, which is so important to Latin America and especially to our country.

For now, hopes are fading that Obama will fulfill his promise of immigration reform. That is already an impasse for our undocumented compatriots in the U.S. and a limbo for nearly a quarter of a million Salvadorans living there, who are covered under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Furthermore, doubts are growing about U.S. cooperation in this region and the level of interest the U.S. has in our problems — notably at a time when the influence of Chavismo* is growing, and democracy itself is threatened in our countries.

*Editor’s Note: Chavismo is a left-wing ideology, based on ideas, programs and the governing style of Hugo Chávez, current president of Venezuela.