Tom Karst

House Republicans pulled the plug on any hopes for consideration of immigration reform legislation this year and the in process may have weakened their support from the business community.

House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, said Nov. 13 that the House has no intention of going to conference on with the Senate-passed comprehensive immigration reform bill.

That appears to be the death knell for immigration reform this Congress, though some believe the House could move on a piece-by-piece approach to immigration reform early next year.

“We are certainly very disappointed in the House that in general that their continues to be a lack of political leadership and will to move forward with immigration reform,” said Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy for United Fresh Produce Association. Guenther said Nov. 14 that he hopes House Republicans will be ready for immigration reform early next year after dealing with the budget and the Affordable Health Care Act.

“Nothing really changes from the standpoint of where the legislation is, it is just a matter of if there truly really is a plan by the House of Representatives to bring immigration reform to the House floor or are they just giving lip service to the entire business community in the country,” he said.

Guenther said United Fresh is “disgusted” with the delay and vowed to withdraw support from House members who are blocking immigration reform from being considered. “We’re done with them and we are going to move on and find candidates and people who want to accomplish things that are good for our industry.”