Obama Hopes To Tackle Immigration Policy In His First Year

We all know the President wishes to address immigration reform in his first year,however there will be some priorities to come before Comprehensive legislation.

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            Washington, DC (AHN) - Despite focusing his attention on the country's economic woes, President Barack Obama hopes to begin addressing America's immigration policy this year, including a path for citizenship for the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants living in the country.<br />

White House officials say Obama will speak publicly about immigration policy sometime in May, continuing to confer with lawmakers, policy experts, and a range of immigration organizations to discuss possible legislative reforms over the summer.

Although Obama acknowledges the recession makes the political battle more difficult, he plans to keep his campaign promise to the Latino voters for comprehensive immigration legislation.

In broad terms, the administration favors legislation that would to make legal status possible for an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants, including imposing fines for breaking the law, etc. The legislation also would seek to prevent future illegal immigration by strengthening border enforcement and cracking down on employers who hire illegal immigrants, while creating a national system for verifying the legal immigration status of new workers.

Despite his commitment to the immigration issue, White House officials said it would not take precedence over health care and energy proposals the administration has touted as among its highest priorities.