Obama wants immigration reform by early next year

lilbawler2001 · 06-25-2009, 04:51 PM

Quote:

President Obama moved the goal posts on getting immigration reform, saying Thursday that he wants a bill he can sign either this year or early next year.

Shortly after the president adjourned a meeting with a bipartisan group of members from both chambers, a number of senators and congressmen from both sides of the aisle demonstrated why next year might be aiming too high.

The White House has said that the president would like to see something this year, but a number of skeptics have questioned whether Congress can or will take any floor action this year.

Obama said he is committed to getting something done, and he said the members he met with appear ready to join him.

"After all the demagoguery, we've got a responsible set of leaders who want to get things done," Obama said.

While the president acknowledged "there's not by any means consensus," Republicans and Democrats outlined a number of sticking points that could continue to derail the process shortly after the meeting.

2008 GOP president candidate Sen. John McCain (Ariz.), who was singled out by Obama for the "political cost" he has paid for supporting comprehensive reform, drew an early line in the sand, saying he would not support any bill that does not contain a guest worker provision.

McCain blamed labor unions for the Democrats' decision to "abandon" the provision, and he encouraged Obama to pressure the unions to support the program.

Even as some members said they are confident they can get something done this year or early next year, Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) said he is "not as optimistic."

Martinez said the "tough stuff" members are facing now will only get worse if it is put off to next year when Congress is running for reelection.

"This is the kind of issue that in an election year becomes very, very difficult," Martinez said.

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), however, said it is now or never to get something passed.

"We've got one more chance to do this," Graham said. "If we fail this time, no politician's going to take this up for a generation, and that'd be a shame for the country."

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Senate immigration committee, agreed with Graham that if nothing is done by next year, "we may not get to do it for another generation."

Graham said he is seeking assurances from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) that House Democrats, following the Senate, would agree to legislation that Republicans can support.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.), who conceded that he has been very critical of the administration's "inaction" on the issue, took some jabs at the White House for postponing Thursday's meeting twice.

However, Gutierrez said he was hopeful from the level of commitment he heard the president express.

"A lot of cynicism and a lot of doubt were left behind," Gutierrez said. "He led today. He was the president of the United States, and he led today."

http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/...009-06-25.html

DreamBaybeh · 06-25-2009, 05:31 PM

"We've got one more chance to do this," Graham said. "If we fail this time, no politician's going to take this up for a generation, and that'd be a shame for the country.

"A lot of cynicism and a lot of doubt were left behind," Gutierrez said. "He led today. He was the president of the United States, and he led today."

Well at least they're aware of the urgency of the situation. I really hope it doesn't get pushed to next year (since it's an election year) because it will be seen as a hot-topic issue and might not pass.

angeleno · 06-25-2009, 06:01 PM

It seems like Luis Gutierrez was speaking for a lot of people here. Good for him.

Mona Lisa · 06-25-2009, 06:07 PM

I hope he can get something done.

swordfish · 06-25-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angeleno

It seems like Luis Gutierrez was speaking for a lot of people here. Good for him.

God Bless LUIS GUTIERREZ for many years he has been OUR VOICE and he is not afraid to speak up.

elmichoacano · 06-25-2009, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DreamBaybeh

"We've got one more chance to do this," Graham said. "If we fail this time, no politician's going to take this up for a generation, and that'd be a shame for the country.

"A lot of cynicism and a lot of doubt were left behind," Gutierrez said. "He led today. He was the president of the United States, and he led today."

Well at least they're aware of the urgency of the situation. I really hope it doesn't get pushed to next year (since it's an election year) because it will be seen as a hot-topic issue and might not pass.

Next year whoever is going up for re-election will be receiving alot of emails, faxes, letters and calls against "amnesty". (as is seen by everyone who is against CIR) So it is not going to surprise me when I start seeing flip-floppers who today say one thing but next year will do another.

AngelGdo · 06-25-2009, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elmichoacano

Next year whoever is going up for re-election will be receiving alot of emails, faxes, letters and calls against "amnesty". (as is seen by everyone who is against CIR) So it is not going to surprise me when I start seeing flip-floppers who today say one thing but next year will do another.

I agree with you, but I'm sure that next year we're gonna have just as much pro immigrant support as we have this year and I believe that God has reason for everything that happens and I know that He will help and guide us weather our government is full republicans or not.

I hate how people use the word "amnesty" to describe and pardon us from the crimes that we never committed.

chopstix · 06-25-2009, 07:17 PM

didn't mention anything about the DA.

unthinkable · 06-25-2009, 10:40 PM

Darn it, pass it THIS YEAR for petes sake!!!!!!!!!!

tiger66 · 06-26-2009, 02:01 AM

Dam. The part where it says that its either its passed this time around or it likely not be mentioned for another generation scares me. Maybe it should not be so rushed. I can probably wait a lil longer if it means it passes. And if it don't pass well fuck it.

All us mexicans we'll meet down in acapulco and party for a month straight and forget this crap lol.. After that..we gotta get adjusted to mexican life .

hahah.

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Obama wants immigration reform by early next year