Despite previously supporting the call for immigration reform, Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., will reportedly not allow votes for such reform legislation if he is elected House Speaker.

As Republicans in the House of Representatives find the next Speaker of the House, Ryan had said he would consider the role if he received the full support of his party. In order to secure that support, Ryan agreed to not allow votes on immigration reform during the 114th Congress session, or the remaining tenure of Barack Obama's presidency.

For Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., Ryan's pledge is another sign of the GOP's difficulties with Latino voters and immigration.

In a statement released on Thursday, Gutierrez acknowledged he had worked with Ryan on immigration and knows the Wisconsin congressman supports "sensible, bipartisan reform." Gutierrez said Ryan tossed aside personal views to satisfy the vocal opponents of immigration reform.

"Immigration is an issue that still divides Republicans, as it once divided Democrats. What unites Republicans is being against President Obama and so such statements are an unfortunate necessity for GOP leaders," Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez also said Republicans are willing to disqualify anyone from the Speaker race who supports immigration reform, despite the fact that most Americans agree it is an important issue.

"In a nutshell, this inability to support legal immigration and legality for immigrants is at the heart of the Republican Party's national problem and why they will be shut out of the White House for the foreseeable future," Gutierrez added. "The coalition of women, African-Americans, Asians, gays and lesbians, environmentalists, young people and Latinos that the Republican Party rejects has formed an ironclad majority that will keep them out of the presidency. And that goes well beyond the immigration issue to almost everything related to civil rights, women's rights, and treating working people decently."

As Latin Post reported, Gutierrez had welcomed the idea of Ryan becoming the next House Speaker. During an appearance on MSNBC, Gutierrez said Ryan is willing to work on a bipartisan effort, which is what the lawmakers need. In 2013, Ryan and Gutierrez spoke about immigration together during a forum in Chicago.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Linda Sanchez criticized Ryan for using immigration as a negotiating tool.

"My message to Congressman Paul Ryan is simple: immigration is not a bargaining chip. Millions of people have been desperately waiting to let go of the fear that comes with the uncertainty of not knowing the future of their immigration status," said Sanchez in a statement released on Friday. "The lives of these people are not something to be played with. House Republican Leadership is in disarray and what this legislative body needs right now is sound leadership."

"Congressman Ryan should find the courage to stand up to his Republican conference and allow a vote on comprehensive immigration reform legislation. Do the right thing for the sake of our country," added Sanchez.

Ryan is fully aware of the contributions of the immigrant community. As noted on his website, immigrants created one-fourth of all new businesses in 2011 and employed 4.7 million people. He has called for reforms in the U.S. immigration system that would uphold the rule of law and boost the economy. He opposed the 2013 Senate bill -- "Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act" (S. 744) -- but believes the House can develop its own proposals.

In addition to securing the border and enforcing existing laws, Ryan has called for a guest-worker program that would benefit the country's economy and "welcome anyone who is committed to America" but not through "amnesty."

On Thursday evening, Ryan fully confirmed his candidacy to succeed Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, as House Speaker.

"I believe we are ready to move forward as a one, united team. And I am ready and eager to be our speaker," Ryan wrote in a letter to fellow Republican lawmakers.

Republicans are expected to nominate a new speaker on Oct. 28, followed by a full House vote on Oct. 29.

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For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Politics Editor Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

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