American history does not repeat itself in today’s economic crisis. Contrary to tradition today’s American citizens do not accuse the immigrants for the mortgage crisis, the unemployment or even the Bear Stearns’ collapse. And this is the reason all three presidential candidates have remained mum on this issue, which was central in last November heated debates. However, it may soon resurface as Republican senators plan to introduce within a few weeks several amendments to the immigration status such as making English the nation’s official language, deporting drunken driving immigrant convicts and withholding disbursement of federal money to cities that prevent local authorities to check the immigration status of their residents. These new plans put McCain in a bind, as a senator and a presidential contender, between the Hispanic voters and the conservative Republicans he’s been trying to rally behind him. Regardless of his vote, he is bound to lose some support. How much, how important and what impact it may have on his campaign remain to be seen.

By Eugene Moscoso (AJC 3/30/08)
Abstract by Johana Nadler