Obama Advocates Comprehensive Immigration Reforms
Arizona was at the top of his mind when president Obama pushed for “comprehensive immigration reforms” with the congress.
The president with the support of some Republicans and democrats has been trying to add momentum to a simmering debate on immigration reforms in congress. He has mentioned that he is aiming not only to secure the border but also to give a solution to those thousands who have lately reached the US shores.
"Surely we can all agree that when 11 million people are living here illegally, that's unacceptable,'' Obama said today at a naturalization ceremony for 24 members of the Armed Forces on the South Lawn of the White House. "The American people deserve a solution.''
Protests and counter protests have taken place in Arizona where there was a crackdown on undocumented immigration. "Our failure to act responsibly at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others,'' Obama said. "And that includes, for example, the recent efforts in Arizona, which threatened to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe.'' President Obama has instructed his reportees “to closely monitor the situation”
“But if we continue to fail to act at a federal level, we will continue to see misguided efforts opening up around the country,'' Obama said
Janet Napolitano who is the Homeland Secretary from Arizona did the swearing ceremony for the new citizens.
"It takes a very special individual to serve and defend a nation that is not yet fully your own,'' Napolitano told them.”Since Sept. 11, 2001, the U.S. ... has naturalized over 58,000 members of our Armed Services.''
Some of you came to America as children... some of you came as adults,'' the president told his audience. All of them, he said, embody the dream that many immigrants before them have sought. "We celebrate the spirit of possibility,'' Obama said. "If you believe in yourself and you play by the rules, then there is a place for you in the United States of America... We celebrate the true meaning of patriotism.''
He said, today, "we celebrate the very essence of the country we love... an America where so many of our forbearers came from someplace else...
"We are also reminded of how we must remain both a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws,'' he said. "This means fixing our broken immigration laws.'' The president was of the opinion that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that laws are enforced , borders are well secured and that it is the responsibility of the illegal immigrants to learn English, “get right with the law” and post that they can apply for citizenship.
The president encouraged leaders to carry on the good work that they have done so far and assured that there is a framework on moving forward''
