Rice political scientist available to comment on Obama immigration speech

CONTACT: Franz Brotzen
PHONE: 713-348-6775
E-MAIL: franz.brotzen@rice.edu

Rice political scientist available to comment on Obama immigration speech

Rice University Chair of Political Science Mark Jones is available to comment on President Barack Obama’s speech on immigration reform.

In an address at American University this morning, Obama called for comprehensive reform, including a path for immigrants illegally in the country to gain legal status, as well as securing the U.S.-Mexico border.

“President Obama’s proposal for comprehensive immigration reform is realistic and reasonable,” Jones said. “At the same time, it has little chance of passing this year, due to several factors — continued opposition in Congress, the 2010 election campaign season already under way and President Obama’s unwillingness to invest himself in immigration reform to the same extent as with health care reform.”

To interview Jones, who also speaks Spanish, contact Franz Brotzen at 832-348-6775 or franz.brotzen@rice.edu.