Conservative talk-show hosts who stoked intense opposition to comprehensive immigration reform in 2007 have discussed it less this year. And conservatives have been focused on other issues, such as the Internal Revenue Service’s targeting of Tea Party groups, and the administration’s handling of the attacks on Benghazi.

“I think opposition is going to escalate dramatically once the bill hits the floor in a way that people do not expect. People are working tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that happens,” said an aide to a conservative Republican senator.

“There’s no question that it’s going to be significantly more pushback. The question is if it’s enough to stop the bill in the Senate. I’d say the odds are better than even,” said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies. ...The Hill

Well, maybe. There are certainly some on the far right who are hoping the immigration issue will somehow blow up in the faces of their political foes. But aren’t we — all of us — tired of the sturm und drang? Hasn’t there been considerably more support for sensible reform?

“Six years ago, seven years ago, the energy seemed to be on the other side, the other side was extremely organized. This time around the pro-immigrant people are very well organized,” said a Senate Democratic aide.

More than 2,000 people showed up at an interfaith meeting on immigration reform that Reid attended Wednesday at St. Therese Church of the Little Flower in Reno, Nev.

About a month ago, pro-immigrant groups held a march in Las Vegas that drew nearly 5000 people. ...The Hill

Cross-posted from Prairie Weather

immigration highway warning sign via shutterstock.com