In his 2010 State of the Union address, President Obama devoted only a single sentence to immigration reform. As reported by The Washington Post, this cursory treatment of the issue has led to “disillusionment” among immigration advocates. A staple of Obama’s campaign and early-term rhetoric, immigration reform has taken a back seat to health care reform and other issues, such as job creation.

Following the address, a senate lobbyist opined that immigration reform was “deader than a doornail.” Many believe Congress will not act to further the interests of immigrants when unemployment remains high, especially with mid-term elections approaching. However, others are more optimistic about the chances for legislation, arguing that the foundation for reform was laid in previous Senate sessions and that, if health care reform does not pass, immigration reform could be a legislative accomplishment to show voters.