Now that the dust has started to settle on the Arizona immigration law, President Obama doesn’t want immigration issues to be swept into a corner because some Republicans lack the will to take action. The Associated Press reports that in a recent speech at American University, President Obama called the immigration stance of 11 Republican senators into question. They’d previously been for active immigration reform, but their election-year concerns have them blowing within the wind.
Obama’s immigration stance needs traction
Even though the president isn’t really the biggest fan of the new Arizona law (he finds it to be “ill-conceived,” as he said lately), it is an effective tool that highlights just how much he wants to get done. The system in place is certainly broken, and new fences and agents won’t change that entirely. Government should turn border security into a larger issue, says Obama. Businesses should then pay heavily if they break the law and hire illegal immigrants. Those who do enter The US illegally should also take responsibility for their actions and instantly work to rectify the wrong by working to become citizens. Achieving this will require bipartisan commitment, something the president clearly understands.
The GOP can’t seem to muster a strong response
Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona says border security and immigration reform must happen in succession, instead of in a united movement. The other Republicans Obama was addressing believe in a similar model. AP polls say the bulk of individuals want government action, so perhaps the Republicans should get on their horse and join the charge.
Obama on immigration – His road
Chuck Schumer and Lindsey Graham penned a bill that would require illegal immigrants to fess up, and Obama endorses the immigration plan. Fines, back taxes and community service would be involved, also as the eventual date upon which legal status would be obtained. Yet as the AP indicates, Graham has backed down like the GOP swing voters, fearing for his election-year political life.
SB 1070 is the first stop on a long journey
Total accountability will unite the causes of immigration reform and border security. Obama’s hopes for SB 1070 will sound the call loud and clear the U.S. is fed up with the status quo. Action must be taken; standing pat will only prove that Obama and also the U.S. government really believes that the broken immigration system is good for America.
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