Immigration reform takes back seat to conflict in Syria

Immigration activists stage a civil disobedience action, blocking a street in front of Varick Street Detention Center, in New York, August 22, 2013. Leaders of immigrant rights group staged the protest against what they call the US unjust deportation policies and lawmakers delaying in passing an immigration reform for some 11 million people living in the US without papers.

The prospect of American involvement in Syria's civil war and a looming budget battle have taken center stage. That's got proponents of immigration reform drawing up contingency plans.

When Congress left for August recess, immigration reform was a front burner issue. The Senate had approved a sweeping bill that established a path to citizenship for millions of people who are in the U.S. illegally.

The House was deliberating, but immigrant advocates were optimistic that legislation would pass this year.

What a difference a month makes. The prospect of American involvement in Syria's civil war and a looming budget battle have taken center stage. That's got proponents of immigration reform drawing up contingency plans.

Leslie Berestein Rojas covers immigration for KPCC. She joins the show with more.