Obama Recommitted to Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Thursday, at President Obama reiterated his commitment to comprehensive immigration reform, which combines a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already in the U.S. and tougher border protection.

In a statement regarding Obama’s meeting Hispanic lawmakers, the White House said, ‘This reform must provide lasting and dedicated resources for border security, while also requiring accountability from both individuals in the U.S. illegally and unscrupulous employers who game the system for their own economic advantage.’

Both Democrats and Republicans see a path to citizenship as amnesty for lawbreakers, and with congressional elections less than 50 days away, neither are willing to stake their careers on such a policy.

In a meeting with the president, Senator Robert Menendez, ‘discussed the comprehensive immigration reform bill that he plans to introduce in the coming weeks. The president told Senator Menendez that he looks forward to reviewing the bill, noting that he strongly supported the proposal that Senate Democrats outlined earlier this year,’ said the White House.

The DREAM Act, which would enable children of illegal immigrants to gain citizenship through military service or by completing higher education, will be on the agenda. Obama has promised to push for the DREAM Act in his meeting with Menendez, and U.S. Reps Nydia Velasquez, and Luis Gutierrez.

The White House statement also said, ‘The president noted that it is time to stop punishing innocent young people for the actions of their parents, especially when those youth grew up in America and want to serve this country in the military or pursue a higher education they have earned through academic excellence.’