I used to feel optimistic about immigration reform but after reading that the lawmakers that once helped sponsor the immigration bill are now showing some hesitation, I have begun to question whether immigration reform will ever see the light of day. Half the articles about immigration reform seem to criticize the bill and claim that it will not pass muster with Congress, while the other half are written in a positive light with high hopes that the immigration bill will eventually become law.
I guess I understand Congress’s divided stance on immigration reform. But what are President Obama’s thoughts on the matter?
President Obama Wants to Repair an Immigration System That Is “Badly Broken”.
President Obama seems to be all in when it comes to the Immigration Reform bill. He understands that “many hurdles lie ahead for proponents of immigration reform” but wants lawmakers to “put a bill on his desk by the end of the summer.” During his address on Saturday he explained that this bill would have to be a compromise, stating, “Nobody will get everything they want – not Democrats, not Republicans, not me.” However, he feels that the bill would at least be a “Common Sense Immigration Reform.”
Are we striving for common sense or perfection?
What Does Obama’s Common Sense Immigration Reform Look Like?
According to President Obama, common sense steps to immigration reform include:
- Smarter enforcement
- A pathway to earned citizenship
- Improvements to the legal immigration system
What Issues Do Lawmakers Want Addressed Before Passing The Bill?
In order for Congress to pass the immigration reform bill, several lawmakers feel that certain issues need addressed first. These issues include:
- Border security strengthening provisions
- Issues regarding health care for undocumented immigrants and whether they need to pay for their own health care
What are your thoughts? Do you think the immigration reform bill will pass by the end of summer?
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