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Hope for Irish undocumented as President Obama promises reform

President Obama promises overhaul of immigration system, talks of legalization process for undocumented

By
DECLAN O'KELLY,
IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Friday, June 19, 2009, 2:21 PM
Updated Thursday, July 23, 2009, 6:07 PM

 

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President Obama

President Barack Obama promised a complete overhaul of the immigration system at the Esperanza National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. today.

Over the course of a wide-ranging speech, Obama touched on faith, the troops and delivered a strong message of intent on his desire to change the Unites States immigration system.

He also spoke of how America was a country of promise, and no matter the color, creed or belief, the United States was a place where anyone could fulfil their potential.

"We also know that keeping this promise means upholding America's tradition as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. Those things aren't contradictory; they're complementary. That's why I'm committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform as President of the United States,” said the President this morning.

“The American people -- the American people believe in immigration, but they also believe that we can't tolerate a situation where people come to the United States in violation of the law, nor can we tolerate employers who exploit undocumented workers in order to drive down wages. That's why we're taking steps to strengthen border security, and we must build on those efforts. We must also clarify the status of millions who are here illegally, many who have put down roots,” continued the Commander-in-chief.

“For those who wish to become citizens, we should require them to pay a penalty and pay taxes, learn English, go to the back of the line behind those who played by the rules. That is the fair, practical, and promising way forward, and that's what I'm committed to passing as President of the United States.”

The President’s words will offer hope to the estimated 50,000 Irish undocumented who live in the United States. The Irish undocumented have lobbied hard for reform through the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) and today's words from the President will be welcomed.

 
 
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