No one would blame supporters of immigration reform if they were pessimistic about the chances of getting a comprehensive bill passed this year. After all, in recent years they’ve already seen one bill go down in flames, another never get off the ground, and just last year endured a presidential election in which Republican candidates were attacked for showing even the slightest sympathy towards undocumented immigrants. And yet, activists and politicians working on a bill are sounding increasingly confident — even cocky — about their chances. Here are five reasons that the prospects for immigration reform are looking a lot better than they were even a few weeks ago:

Talking Points Memo: 5 Reasons Immigration Reform Might Actually Pass

Associated Press: McCain, Graham, Flake met with House hardliners to promote immigration plan