by Moses Apsan, Esq.
Washington D.C. March 17, 2010 - It’s been less than a week since his meeting with senators Chuck Schumer, (D-NY) , and Lindsey Graham, (R-SC), in a private session and discussed ways to move forward on proposals from the two senators.
At the heart of the bill would be language that would include a path for citizenship that would legalize the 11 million people living in the U.S. illegally. The bill would not be a panacea for illegal immigrants, but would require applicants to register, pay taxes and a penalty. A white house spokesman, Nick Shapiro made it clear that improved border security would be a mandate.
Obma in affirming his commitment to Comprehensive Immigration Reform said "I am pleased to see that Senators Schumer and Graham have produced a promising, bipartisan framework which can and should be the basis for moving forward," Obama continued. " It thoughtfully addresses the need to shore up our borders, and demands accountability from both workers who are here illegally and employers who game the system."
"I am pleased that there is bipartisan progress being made,'' Obama told guests in the White House. "My own commitment to comprehensive immigration reform remains unwavering."
Obama pledged that he would work with the senators on development of the bill and to "do everything in my power to forge a bipartisan consensus this year on this important issue so we can continue to move forward on comprehensive immigration reform."
Obama, noted that it was a half century ago that President Kennedy was elected, also honored his brother, the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, who had been instrumental in the development of bipartisan immigration reforms.
The reaffirmation of the president's commitment comes just in time as tens of thousands plan to march on Washington, D.C. this Sunday for the "March for America" in suport of comprehensive immigration reform.
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