Blog

Let’s step back from the debt ceiling debate for just a moment to take note of another proposal floated by Republicans today, called the HALT Act. As Marshall Fitz, Director of Immigration Policy at the Center for American Progress said, this measure is “almost too absurd to take seriously.”

Earlier today, President Obama addressed the National Council of La Raza, the largest Hispanic advocacy organization in the country. He talked about a range of issues, from the economy to debt negotiations to the DREAM Act—and above all else, the President reminded the audience one key detail: “The Democrats and your President are with you.”

Last week, President Obama renewed his efforts to work with Congress to reform America's immigration laws. Pressing for an urgent and civil debate, the President made the case that immigration reform was a national security and moral imperative--he also made clear that America's economy cannot afford to wait.

In yesterday’s speech in El Paso, President Obama made clear that reforming our immigration laws will pay enormous dividends for the American economy. And the President has the support of a broad coalition, including the business community.

Yesterday, President Obama laid out a bipartisan approach to fixing America’s broken immigration system, explaining how immigration reform is critical to helping build a 21st century economy.

"Immigration is a complex issue that raises strong feelings. And as we push for long-overdue action, we're going to hear the same sort of ugly rhetoric that has delayed reform for years -- despite long and widespread recognition that our current system fails us all and hurts our economy."

Speaking today against the backdrop of the U.S. and Mexican border in El Paso, Texas, President Obama renewed his commitment to the passage of comprehensive immigration reform. His speech honored America’s lasting heritage of immigration – and touted the promise of reform as an economic, security, and moral imperative.

As we noted earlier, the President will speak today at 3:30 p.m. ET — to explain why Congress must act to reform our country’s immigration laws. Here are just a few ways you can get involved in the conversation.