In a boyount State of the Union speech
this evening, President Obama showed determination that he would act alone where Congress impedes action. On several occasions he reiterated this sentiment. For immigration reform, he said the following:
“Finally, if we are serious about economic growth, it is time to heed the call of business leaders, labor leaders, faith leaders, and law enforcement – and fix our broken immigration system. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have acted. I know that members of both parties in the House want to do the same. Independent economists say immigration reform will grow our economy and shrink our deficits by almost $1 trillion in the next two decades. And for good reason: when people come here to fulfill their dreams – to study, invent, and contribute to our culture – they make our country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create jobs for everyone. So let’s get immigration reform done this year.”
Soon after his speech concluded, our very own Washington State Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers delivered the rebuttal speech. Regarding immigration reform, she said:
“We must pass immigration reform. It’s a priority for Republicans, for Democrats. There’s a recognition that it’s important to America. It’s important to our economy America has long been the land of immigrants.”
Congresswoman’s speech indicates that the Republicans are willing to address the problem and acknowledge that the majority of Americans want immigration reform.
Let’s hope that we finally see some movement that can lead to a solution. We don’t want rhetoric anymore. We need action. We hope that we get immigration reform done this year, just as our President urged Congress tonight.