President Obama’s State of the Union Address: Now is the Time for Immigration Reform

On February 12, 2013, President Barack Obama began his state of the Union address by saying, “51 years ago, John F. Kennedy declared to this chamber that `the Constitution makes us not rivals for power, but partners for progress.’”

Among the major topics important to the politically powerful and the people of the United States such as the economy, the impending “sequester” and its massive budget cuts, health care, taxes, energy, climate change, and education, the President spoke about immigration. He spoke powerfully, clearly, and with authority. The President’s address had several stand-out moments, but none was more moving than his words and the resulting ovations as he discussed immigration reform.

President Obama stated:

“And right now, leaders from the business, labor, law enforcement, faith communities, they all agree that the time has come to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Now’s the time to do it. Now’s the time to get it done. Now’s the time to get it done.

Real reform means strong border security, and we can build on the progress my administration’s already made, putting more boots on the southern border than at any time in our history and reducing illegal crossings to their lowest levels in 40 years. Real reform means establishing a responsible pathway to earned citizenship, a path that includes passing a background check, paying taxes and a meaningful penalty, learning English, and going to the back of the line behind the folks trying to come here legally. And real reform means fixing the legal immigration system to cut waiting periods and attract the highly skilled entrepreneurs and engineers that will help create jobs and grow our economy.

In other words, we know what needs to be done. And as we speak, bipartisan groups in both chambers are working diligently to draft a bill, and I applaud their efforts. So let’s get this done. Send me a comprehensive immigration reform bill in the next few months, and I will sign it right away. And America will be better for it.

Let’s get it done. Let’s get it done.”

Please refer to our article concerning the proposed immigration reform plans to learn more what President Obama was referring to when discussing immigration reform bills that are in talks.

Perhaps now really is the time, one of the rare times when lawmakers can set aside rivalries for power, and instead act as “partners in progress” as President John F. Kennedy envisioned. Maybe now finally is the time we can achieve real, positive immigration reform.

Written By Brent Gunderson – Phoenix Immigration Lawyer