( CNN ) -- The stars may finally be aligning for a comprehensive immigration overhaul . Whatever the reasons -- and there are many -- it 's about time . During my two terms as governor of a border state , there were times when I was hopeful for a breakthrough . But political fear-mongering often ruled the day as immigrants and drugs illegally crossed into the United States and weapons flowed to the south . With every border flare-up , the American public -- and their elected leaders -- put immigration on the back burner . I am encouraged by the news that a bipartisan group of senators has crafted a plan and is working on building consensus toward a political way forward . The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is also taking an active role and showing leadership on this issue . My hope is that we end up with a truly comprehensive solution that does not tear families apart . Opinion : Worker visas are the key to immigration reform . A comprehensive plan should create a path to earned citizenship , enforceable border security , a realistic guest worker plan , accountability for employers that hire illegal immigrants and passage of the DREAM Act . We have a window of opportunity now that did n't exist before because immigration is at a low point , and addressing the issue makes more sense politically . Our struggle to recover from the financial crisis does n't just mean fewer jobs for Americans ; the lack of work has also deterred many would-be immigrants , especially those who come to America to find construction and manufacturing jobs . The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that we have nearly 1 million fewer illegal immigrants living in America than we did in 2007 . Census officials say the economy is the primary reason for the decline . The aging population and the growing middle class in Mexico may also be factors that explain the new trend . While nobody is celebrating the poor economy and the lack of jobs , the reality that illegal immigration is n't seen as a `` crisis '' at the moment , gives us the opportunity to have a reasoned debate , without the unnecessary rhetoric , and finally enact a comprehensive immigration plan . With a stable and reasonable immigration system in place , I believe we 'll have more opportunities for bilateral economic growth and trade between the United States and Mexico . That will mean more jobs on both sides of the border . Politically , the results of the recent election strongly suggest this is the moment for reform . First , President Barack Obama is following through on his promise to make an immigration overhaul a priority , using the good will he earned with the Hispanic constituencies , and will announce his proposals Tuesday . Second , many Republicans in Congress realize that they need a new political strategy if they have any hope of bouncing back from the devastating losses they are experiencing with Hispanic voters . iReport : Under deportation , above fear . Hispanics of all ethnic backgrounds are embracing Democratic candidates and their message of inclusiveness and opportunity for all . Opposition to immigration overhaul , including the demonization of foreign-born families that look to America for opportunity , is hurting Republicans at the polls . Third , the Supreme Court ruled emphatically that immigration is the responsibility of the federal government , not the states . While I am certainly sympathetic as a former governor with the issues that states must deal with as a result of illegal immigration , the onus is on Congress to pass an immigration plan . Unless we come to grips with all aspects of the immigration issue , we are going to end up with the same impractical , expensive and ineffective solutions we have had for years . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Bill Richardson .
Until now , fear-mongering drove immigration policy and overhaul was ignored . Richardson : With illegal immigration down , GOP realizes it needs to address Hispanics . He says we need path to citizenship , border security , guest worker plan , DREAM Act . Obama : We're going to do that in a comprehensive way. The onus is on Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration plan .