Even Republicans who support comprehensive immigration
legislation view the proper phasing of reform as essential.
Addressing the current immigration backlog, along with providing
a realistic path to citizenship for undocumented workers, will
eventually require a massive expansion in the number of green
cards. But first it will require the creation of an immigration
system capable of handling such an expansion. If Obama pushes a
fast pass to legalization above other reform priorities, he
could fracture Rubio’s nascent coalition.  Which may be the
point. So far, White House contact with Rubio and his staff has
been minimal and perfunctory. Why elevate a possible Republican
presidential candidate, with a powerful immigrant story, who can
explain his views on Univision without a translator? Wouldn’t it
be easier for Obama, once again, to push past the red lines of
his opponents, then declare their opposition to be evidence of
irrationality?  It would, unless the president actually wants an
immigration deal, whic