President urges passage of contentious immigration bill

President Obama on Tuesday used the bully pulpit of the State of the Union address to urge Congress to approve contentious legislation it shot down just a month ago: the DREAM Act.

That proposal — which would provide illegal immigrant students a way to remain lawfully in the country — passed the House in December but didn't survive its run through the Senate.

Obama on Tuesday said it deserves another look.

"Today, there are hundreds of thousands of students excelling in our schools who are not American citizens," the president said in his annual address to Congress. "Some are the children of undocumented workers, who had nothing to do with the actions of their parents. They grew up as Americans and pledge allegiance to our flag, and yet live every day with the threat of deportation.

"Others come here from abroad to study in our colleges and universities. But as soon as they obtain advanced degrees, we send them back home to compete against us. It makes no sense."

The DREAM Act offers a pathway to permanent residency — and eventually citizenship — for illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children if they meet certain requirements. They must have been in the country for at least five years; have earned a high school diploma, or its equivalent; and enter an institution of higher education or the military.

Supporters, including most Democrats, say the bill would empower motivated young people to develop the best of their skills for the betterment of the entire country. But opponents, including most Republicans, maintain the bill rewards people who broke the law when the minute they entered the country.

Obama's push for the DREAM Act came as introduction to a fervent call for comprehensive immigration reform — an effort that eluded Obama's predecessor, President George W. Bush. Indeed, Democrats peeled off the DREAM Act as a separate bill last year because they thought it stood a much better chance than comprehensive reform.

Still, those past failures didn't seem to deter Obama on Tuesday.

"I strongly believe that we should take on, once and for all, the issue of illegal immigration," he said. "I am prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws and address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the shadows.

"I know that debate will be difficult and take time," he added. "But tonight, let’s agree to make that effort. And let’s stop expelling talented, responsible young people who can staff our research labs, start new businesses, and further enrich this nation."

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefi...am-act-in-sotu

lets hope for the best. We need CIR bill so everyone can benefit for once n all. Long overdue by now. Good luck)

I feel it coming!

That man with the pink tie is our main obstacle right now.

Was it just me or did anyone else notice it too, that when Obama would touch up on issues like immigration and/or tax cuts for the wealthy, this man (Bohener) would just get a sour face or catch glimpses of it. That right there just shows that he really will be the biggest obstacle for Dream Act passage or any other bill the democrats will try to pass. The Republicants are already feeling that they are losing Latino votes, both parties will have to do something drastic in order to sway more votes to their own party.

It doesn't matter what faces that crybaby puppet Bohener made during the speech. With increase public awareness of the Dream Act it has a chance.

Yes I know, I just thought it was a bit comical thats all. :P

Boehner will not allow anything like the DREAM Act from being put on the House agenda. The guy is against universally held and cherished programs such as Pell grants and federal aid for any students-his reasoning; I made it all on my own without government help, so should everyone else. The guy is a walking contradiction...

Yea but your overstepping the will of the people. Boehner is just one man. One republican and even they know something has to be done. Even if Boehner is not in favor he could collapse to pressure.

Every one of Obama's speeches are hopeful.
Sometimes that hope is too painful and tantalizing.
He says "it will be difficult, but let's put our efforts."
Can he specify a bit with what kind of effort he is going to put?
He has addressed million times to put our effort, but I don't know what he has done on immigration for past 2 years of his office.
He was very passionate about passing healthcare reform, and it had a lot of coverage on television. Compare that to immigration reform? Almost none.
He says few paragraphs and smile at us, like he is hoping to get our support during next election.
When I think about health reform, it was almost impossible to write it that fast and make it into a law. DA was debated and mended for freaking 10 years and still not passed.
In my view, Obama has no passion for DA.