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Abstract
Prospects for imminent reform of the nation’s immigration laws, which seemed bright in 2013, have dimmed. Republicans, who a year ago seemed set to embrace immigration reform as a way to loosen minority voters’ loyalty to the Democratic Party, now show little interest in considering the issue before November’s midterm congressional elections. Meanwhile, President Obama is under pressure from immigration advocates to curtail deportations or risk losing the support of ethnic-minority voters — a bloc seen as key to Democrats’ election chances. Faced with a lack of movement in Washington, some states are working to attract and retain immigrants, bolstered by studies indicating that immigration reform would bring substantial economic benefits. Meanwhile, a stuttering U.S. job market, increased border security and a stronger Mexican economy are slowing the flow of undocumented immigrants across America’s southern border.