Comprehensive immigration bill is one of the top agenda items of President Obama. However, priority given to health care reform and lengthy debates expected at the Congress reduced possibility of U.S. immigration system overhaul in 2010. Leading Republicans made public statements stating they the did not see any chance for passing an immigration reform bill this year.

President Obama faces pressure from the Congressional Hispanic Caucus to push the immigration reform to provide insurance for illegal immigrants. President promised and is committed to go forward in introducing a comprehensive immigration reform while not promising a certain timeframe.

Another obstacle is many Republicans who are not in favor of providing such benefit for undocumented immigrants.

It seems that the fate of comprehensive immigration legislation depends on the developments in health care reform bill. If health reform bill clears both houses and comes to the President for signature faster than expected, then the chances of passing the immigration reform bill will increase in 2010.