House GOP Cools to Immigration Overhaul - Fresh Doubt Over Legislative Move in 2014 as Republican Lawmakers Push Back Against GOP Leaders' Support of Legalization

From The Wall Street Journal:

Just days after House Republican leaders backed legalization for most immigrants in the U.S. illegally, opponents in the party are making clear they will resist the push, casting fresh doubt on chances for legislative movement on immigration this year.

The focus of opposition within the House GOP is less on sensitivities over amnesty or a potential flood of unneeded new workers, and more on politics. Opponents say they worry that moving ahead on the issue could divide Republicans and hand Democrats a victory in an election year when the GOP has the advantage. Many Republicans also question whether President Barack Obama would enforce the law if one is passed.

 

Opponents are stoking concerns about the timing. "Republicans are poised for an historic election this fall," Sen. Ted Cruz (R., Texas), whose views have influenced House conservatives in the past, said in a recent statement. "The biggest thing we could do to mess that up would be if the House passed an amnesty bill—or any bill perceived as an amnesty bill—that demoralized voters going into November."