Statement from Angela M. Kelley, Vice President for Immigration Policy and Advocacy at the Center for American Progress, regarding President Obama’s remarks on comprehensive immigration reform at American University:
"President Barack Obama boldly showed today that he is neither giving up on immigration reform nor giving in to restrictionist measures like the one Arizona recently enacted.
The president demonstrated great courage and conviction as he reasserted that the only solution to repairing our broken immigration system is one enacted by the federal government that is tough, practical, and fair.
He also noted that Republicans and Democrats must set aside partisan politics and instead pursue smart solutions in order to win.
We hope his words of wisdom are heard on Capitol Hill where lawmakers, particularly Republicans, have refused to negotiate a bill. The public has lost patience with Congress’ unwillingness to deal with immigration, and further failure to act will surely lead to more states assuming control of immigration enforcement as Arizona has done.
Until Congress acts, the Obama administration must intervene in Arizona, ensure that enforcement focuses on capturing the “worst of the worst” criminals, and rescind policies that authorize local police to enforce immigration laws.
The passion of the president’s speech is unquestionable. The administration and Congress can do the nation a great service by following President Obama’s lead."
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