The last time there were any changes in immigration policy at the federal level was during the Bush administration. The Republican Party has been blocking any moves by Democrats and the Obama administration to change the immigration process; however, Democrats may not stay idle any longer.

Senate Democrats announced on Thursday that if Republicans continue to drag their feet, President Obama will act on his own and pass immigration reform within his power. According to The Hill, Democrats noted that it has been 329 days since the Senate passed a bipartisan immigration reform bill. The Republican-dominated House has lead the charge in stalling any progress on passing the bill ever since.

"They have about a six-week window, from June 10 after the last Republican primary until the August recess. If they don't pass immigration reform them, the president will have no choice but to act on his own," said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, the third-ranking Senate leader and author of the comprehensive Senate immigration reform proposal.

However, Republicans argue that the bill does little to ensure border security and would be costly economically, according to The Hill. A Congressional Budget Office finding said the bill would increase unemployment and lower wages, said Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-AK.

However, President Obama is not on the same wavelength as Democratic leaders. According to CNN, at a fundraiser in Chicago Obama told the crowd that if Democrats do not gain control of the House after the midterm elections reform would not be achieved.

The President blamed Republicans in the House for their lack of a sense of urgency. The Los Angeles Times reports about one California congressman's attempt to introduce immigration reform legislation. However, his colleagues keep holding him back. Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Turlock, CA, has attempted to introduce an immigration reform bill to the House for vote; however, the Republican leadership refuses to bring it up for a vote. Denham's proposed bill would provide legal status and a path to citizenship for immigrants who serve in the military.

Denham himself is a veteran and supports the idea, which was first implemented by President Bush after 9/11. Denham attempted to add the bill to the National Defense Authorization Act but it was never brought up for a vote, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The GOP leadership's refusal to put it to a vote is part of a larger scheme to prevent heavy opposition in the primaries. Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor controls the House's schedule and he has decided against putting the bill up for a vote, though he denies any electoral reasons, he faces a primary opponent. Regardless, Denham will continue to press his fellow Republicans concerning the bill.

"There is no better way to show your patriotism," he said, than serving in the military, and that should offer a route to "earned citizenship."

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