Obama Promises Immigration Reform

By: Stephanie Condon
Topics: White House

(CBS)

President Obama this morning told a Hispanic audience that he remains committed to comprehensive immigration reform and upholding "America's tradition of a nation of laws and a nation of immigration."

"Those things aren't contradictory, they're complementary," Mr. Obama said at the Esperanza National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast. "That's why I'm committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform."

He said the United States should strengthen its border security and also "clarify the status of miillions who are here illegally."

Those who wish to become citizens should be required to pay a penalty, learn English, and get to the back of the line behind those who came here by the rules, he said.

"We must never forget the promise of America has been renewed by immigrants who make their story part of the American story," Mr. Obama said.

The president began his remarks by greeting the audience with "buenas dias," and praising the "genius" of America's founders for protecting the freedom of religion.

"As I look out on this audience, I'm reminded of the power of faith in America," he said. "Faith in God and... in this great country."

He said he and and his Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor have benefitted from the opportunities afforded in the United States.

"While I may be the first African-American president, there's nothing unique about the opportunities this country gave to me," he said. "It's the story of a young girl who could rise from a housing project to be nominated to the highest court in the land. I am confident it's a story that will some day be told by the first Hispanic president."

Stephanie Condon
Stephanie Condon is a political reporter for CBSNews.com.
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by MikeMJF December 14, 2009 3:39 PM EST: This was almost 6 months ago and still we have heard next to nothing on these issues. Obama had promised to lower the cash amount needed to attain the <a href="http://www.cmbeb5visa.com">immigrant investor visa</a> as well, but that visa was recently renewed with no changes. With that in mind, I cannot see any reason to be optimistic about him acting on these things in the future.; Reply to this comment


by Teacher1962 June 30, 2009 12:06 PM EDT: Many, many illegals workers in the USA DO PAY TAXES. They obtain (how I have no idea) fake SSN numbers and/or tax ID numbers and file their taxes just like everyone else. Millions of dollars are paid into health care and other programs by these people. They also get tax refunds just like everyone else. Many illegals are just patiently waiting for Obama to sign a new amnesty so they can stop looking over there shoulders. Many of these people are working 12 - 16 hours a day/7-days a week to support their families here and in there native countries. They start their own businesses here and take jobs(sometimes working 3 jobs at a time) that really no one wants. I lived in Europe for 6 years and in Central American. I met many, many, many US Citizens that were working illegally in those countries. No one here ever talks about that. Why is that? The US was taken by force from the Native Americans by the Europeans. We - white folks - are descendants of immigrants. Those of us whose families have been here since the original invasion are descendants of illegal aliens that created a system to keep out other illegal aliens. I've never heard of any of the current illegal aliens infecting blankets with small pox to hopefully wipe us out, have you? Learn your history and help these people that are trying to make this country better as well has their own. And by the way, there are MILLIONS of non-native English Speakers enrolled in English Classes all over the US. Many are learning English. Just how long do you think it takes to learn a second language, hmmmm? 2-weeks? From absolute beginner to fluent can take as much as 4 years. Even longer in some cases depending on how many hours your able to devote to study/practice time. And by the way, English is one of the most difficult languages to learn because its so screwy and has a multitude of morphed vocabulary from many languages in it. We can and must help each other in this world if we,humans, want to survive.; Reply to this comment


by KK83 June 25, 2009 3:07 PM EDT: A lot of comments on this hot topic issue. First up I am an immigrant to this country who is here legally. I was brought here as a minor and I have had my education here from middle school to recently graduating college. I still cant find a job because of immigration laws. I understand the concerns of citizens of this country that too many immigrants is not a good idea. But you fail to understand the plight of people like me who have spent most of their life here stayed out of trouble and excelled in school.
I am more involved in American politics than my American friends and have much more knowledge of American history and background than a lot of my American friends as well. I agree that border security should be enforced at a much higher level. Although as someone mentioned most of the jobs done by immigrants are jobs most American wont take anyways. Also, the revenue from taxes will be a much needed cash flow for this country. Maybe then the government wont have to increase taxes as much on the high income bracket. There is no easy solution but the racist people here who forget that their ancestors, whether they are from Poland, Ireland, Mexico, Italy, Spain, Britain etc, were all immigrants at one point in time makes me angry. there is truth in the statement that America was built by immigrants. That is what makes this country great. A diversity of people, cultures and ideas. It is a unique mix that is a strength.; Reply to this comment


by stokeybob June 21, 2009 3:48 PM EDT: I think they should uphold the rule of law and govern by the rules set forth by the United States Constitution, as they swore they would with their oaths of office.

Back in the sixties the government came into the schools and brainwashed us with the idea we needed to control the population because it was rising so fast. They said the roads would become crowded and we would run out of things like water.

They unleashed abortions, birth control pills, and other forms of Family Planning.

To allow the country to be over run with the criminals in businesses illegal labor while the criminals in the government aid and abet the invasion is a travesty against mankind.

They have seen to it our children were killed to control the population at the same time allowing the world to export their population problems here.

What about our sacrifices, many made against our will?

P.S. We still haven't recovered from the last time the criminals in business were allowed to bring in their slaves.; Reply to this comment


by stokeybob June 21, 2009 3:47 PM EDT: Did you ever wonder where the money for things like the subversion of the world?s immigration laws may come from?

It seems to me as long as we allow people to print up fiat money there will be no place in the world where freedom can flourish.

If the Globalist oppose your efforts, paid for with real hard earned money, all they have to do is fire up the presses and shovel the money to any group that will oppose you.

Not only that but it seems they do it in such a way that the money to achieve THEIR goals is borrowed from them. Then we pay interest to a group outside of our country, like the Federal Reserve, on the creation and borrowing of OUR OWN fiat money.

IN ESSENCE THEY BEAT US WITH OUR OWN STICK!; Reply to this comment


by Dayana551 June 20, 2009 11:18 AM EDT: Americans fear that legalizing the illegal immigrant population will make the stressed job market that much more competitive. First, most illegal immigrants take jobs that working-class Americans and teenagers cannot or will not do. There is little reason to think formerly illegal immigrants would crease to fill a crucial niche in the American economy. Giving illegal immigrants a legal means to stay in the country would recognize how they have contributed to the growth of the American economy. This country would be unrecognizable without Mexican immigrants, the men and women who often perform the thankless jobs that many privileged citizens might refuse to do. How many middle-aged white guys would work all day as a gardener and then head straight to the local restaurant to cook and clean until midnight? Yet to portray these humans as simple laborers is stereotypical. They have a strong and proud heritage, one noticeably admired by Americans who live in ranchero-style homes and line up at their favorite Mexican food joint for a Burrito Especial.

The only indigenous people are Native Americans, who were incorrectly called Indians because a conquest-hungry European explorer screwed up and thought he was in India. Having white skin does not make you any less of an immigrant, or a better human being, than a Mexican migratory survivor.

Throughout our country's history, immigrants have contributed immensely to our culture, our economy, our defense and our national pride. Almost all citizens of the United States are immigrants or the descendants of immigrants and each new generation of immigrants has reinvigorated our nation with the values and work ethic that has made America great. Our common experience has demonstrated that immigration is good for America, whether your ancestors arrived before the Declaration of Independence or just a generation ago.; Reply to this comment


by gravyboat3000 June 19, 2009 12:38 PM EDT: This President lost me when he used the term,"undocumented workers".

They're ILLEGAL ALIENS, Mr. President. Wether they're working or not, they are here by illegally crossing our border. They falsify documents to rent apartments, get jobs, put their kids in school, etc.

I've completely given up on ANY American President from ANY party to REALLY do something of substance on ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

One side panders to the employers who hire these people on the cheap, the other panders to Hispanic organizations such as Esperanza, for votes.

I have family that immigrated to the United States from Mexico, legally. Everytime an illegal alien, from any country croses that border and gets away with it, it's a slap to the face of those that applied, waited in the lines, paid the fees and gained entry legally, then go on to become citizens.; Reply to this comment


by All_pols_need_2_go June 19, 2009 12:21 PM EDT: Well if his promises already made and re-****** on so far are any indication of this promise we probably don't have anything to worry about as he never keeps a promise. Off the top of my head I can think of 10 promises the Chosen One proclaimed from mount on high that he has rolled over on like a fat business man on a skinny hooker. Shouldn't we wait to see if ANY thing he is doing even ONE little thing actually works out before we allow him to change EVERYTHING with his inability to even be bothered to read the things he is signing. Don't think he can't make things worse because he is and can continue to as well. Just because some people are foolish enough to think he can do anything including himself doesn't really mean he is capable of doing anything at all. His resume doesn't exactly scream of success.; Reply to this comment

by mattcat25 June 19, 2009 12:16 PM EDT

There are different levels of Undocumented Emigrants. The Emigration Laws should be adjusted to reflect the divergent circumstances and situations involved in this very complex issue.

Criminals and Health Risk Concern individuals should be deported. Working emigrants, or valid able skilled candidates should be identified and fast tracked to citizenship based solely on their ability level to pass naturalization qualifications (like Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic/Job skills). un, or Pre-Qualified Emigration Candidates should be legalized registered aliens, or guest worker status until citizenship qualifications have been accomplished.

Other undocumented workers living, working, and paying taxes in the US for more then 15 years, own real estate, have American Children attending (or, graduated) US Schools, master in a trade or business owner should be considered for amnesty (because they qualify).

Senor Citizens need to have thier own qualifications such as qualified family (sometimes refered to as Anchor Children), Real Estate Holdings, and/or master'd and retired with a skill set, or trade.

This by all means is not a simple cut-and-dry situation (like some attempt to paint it) Emigration Reform should be more inclusive and Border Security should be more stringent.

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by mattcat25 June 19, 2009 1:11 PM EDT: Ok, if the infrastructure was in place to deport "illegals" then that should be done but, do you understand that there are 10 Million undocumented (illegal) people living and working in the US?

Like I said, it's not that simple but, I do agree greater deportation steps and processes should be implemented. by the way, I'm sure your family tree was completely "legal" from the time they entered this country to current?

by u-r-right June 19, 2009 11:52 AM EDT

This will never fly. As soon as Obama hears from those poor illegals who have anchor babies here legally, he will relent and grant most of them amnesty so those cruel lawmakers don't break up their families.

There is no way something sane and non-pc such as penalties and deportations will take place.

Thanks for ruining our country illegals instead of fixing your own!

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by southamerican July 16, 2009 6:56 PM EDT: Sorry but you have to seek medical help.
Close your eyes,think... Imagine this country with zero immigrants
you probably would be a homeless.
Immigrants built this country so please pay them some respect.
By the way.... I'm an immigrant,I work hard, I'm single and I pay lots of taxes that help your kids at school and etc.
I feel sorry for you....

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