President Obama held a press conference several minutes ago regarding his push for immigration reform before the end of 2013. The President reiterated points he has been making for months:
- Immigration reform will benefit our economy, our national security, and our people
- Foreign nationals who attend our universities should be given the chance to start businesses in the U.S. rather than taking their skills back to their home countries
- A pathway to earned citizenship should be available for undocumented individuals who pass a background check, pay a fine, pay back taxes, and learn English
The President urged the House of Representatives to take on immigration reform by the end of the year. The Senate passed a comprehensive bill in June, while House Democrats introduced their own bill earlier this month that includes an updated border control section that already passed the House Homeland Security Committee. The House has not yet taken up either of these bills.
President Obama encouraged immigration reform supporters to keep fighting, regardless of the obstacles they face. He thanked members of the audience for their persistence, activism, passion, and heart. The President mentioned that leaders have worked for years to pass immigration reform, and that this is the moment that we should finally be able to get it done.
We will continue to monitor any updates in legislation.