Obama Shelves Immigration Reform Until 2010. Maybe.

Mexico's President Felipe Calderon, left, and his Public Safety Secretary Genaro Garcia Luna hand a plaque to a a federal police officer during a ceremony at the Federal Police headquarters in Mexico City, Friday, Aug. 7, 2009.


Illegal immigrants expecting President Barack Obama to tackle Immigration Reform will have to wait in line until he overhauls the Health Sector and regularises the financial slump that has destabalised the American economy.

"I've got a lot on my plate and it's very important for us to sequence these big initiatives so they don't crash at the same time," he said.

The president made the announcement in Guadalajara, Mexico, when he addressed the North American Summit, earlier today. He said while immigration reform was important other priorities such as his health care overhaul and financial regulation would be tackled first.

Not a welcome decision for millions of immigrants who had rallied around Obama while on the hustings.With his popularity slipping away, the decision to shelve immigration talks until 2010, will seem like a heated slap in the face for the expectant illegals. And that too is not certain, especially, with the negative wave rising up against his plan to revamp health care. But what about the financial sector? Who is to say the president's plan could pull it back on track by 2010, a mere four months away.

Sotomayor Mucho Mujer

The battle has begun. Republican critics will fight to keep Sonia Sotomayor out of the Supreme Court but her allies, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee will fight harder to confirm her appointment. Who will win? Sotomayor, of course.

After what I've seen of today's Senate Confirmation hearings, I have no doubt she will be elevated to Supreme Judge. The Bronx pride leaned forward gracefully as Senate critics aired their views on her nomination and why she should not be confirmed. In the Bronx fingers were crossed and prayers were whispered, eyes became teary, as many residents watched the proceedings on television hoping for her swift confirmation.

And swift it will be, a record one at that, based on today's hearing conclusion. Tomorrow's questioning session should be a breeze for the esteemed judge, who did not flinch once when the Senate hearings launched into racial politicism.

Of course, she's Hispanic, but that does not make her any less suitable or less qualified for the position. Does she have an agender? I don't think so. I believe it's her mission to successfully complete her tenure, when confirmed, as she did with past positions and academic challenges.

As a member of a minority group myself, I applaud Sotomayor for her dedication and her ability to rise above humble beginnings to such a historic stature. It is achievers like her that give hope to people like us; minorities who struggle to establish ourselves where we are sometimes made to feel we don't belong.

Sotomayor's nomination, seven weeks ago, by President Barack Obama, has catapulted her into the annals of history. She is the first Hispanic to be nominated to the Supreme Court. Tomorrow the 55-year-old nominee will reply to critics who questioned her impartiality. It would be an interesting session, for this great woman will not falter in her quest. She will indeed, bring pride to those who support and admire her. So kudos, Sotomayor, the gilded gavel is yours. And as her Hispanic followers has said, she is a "mucho mujer."