While reiterating the importance of immigration reform, U.S. President Barack Obama has also revealed his vision. He stated that 12 million illegal immigrants have already put down roots in the United States and that there should be a mechanism to allow them to legalize their status, "step out of the shadows," and no longer be exploited by employers for low wages.
He indicated that these illegal immigrants "should learn English, pay a certain fine, and then get to the back of the line for legal immigration and start waiting."
President Obama discussed immigration issues with members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and promised to push for comprehensive immigration reform legislation this year.
Obama also told the Congressional Hispanic Caucus that, similar to the various bills he has recently introduced, he would adopt a similar approach to immigration reform, with plans to hold public discussions over the next two months.
All 24 members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus attended this closed-door meeting on immigration reform. The caucus expressed satisfaction afterward, stating that the President was very clear and that he is a man of his word.
President Obama stated that the administration will work with the Hispanic Caucus to address "short-term and long-term" immigration reform issues.
Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum, praised Obama's approach. He stated that work on the immigration reform bill is expected to begin this fall.
Frank Sharry, Executive Director of the immigration organization America's Voice, pointed out that he hopes the new immigration reform bill will be closer to the 2006 version. The new bill will include border enforcement, strict penalties for employers who break the law, and the clearing of case backlogs. Once the national unemployment rate decreases, issues such as the legalization of illegal immigrants should be addressed.
Simon Rosenberg, President of the New Democratic Network, pointed out that immigration organizations hope this year's immigration bill will not include provisions from the 2007 version that required illegal immigrants to pay high fines for legalization, or even the requirement to leave the country before re-entering.
Representative Mike Honda, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, also wrote to President Obama on behalf of the caucus, calling on him to implement a fair, humane, and comprehensive immigration reform bill this year. Honda pointed out that immigration reform should promote family reunification, avoid breaking up families, enhance national security, and restore the economy.
