President Obama to grant legal status to 4.5m illegal US immigrants | Welcome to Linda Ikeji's Blog

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Friday 21 November 2014

President Obama to grant legal status to 4.5m illegal US immigrants

Yesterday, President Obama made a blockbuster announcement on immigration that got a lot of Americans divided. In his new plan, about 4.5 illegal immigrants in the US will now be able to get legal status and allowed to apply for work permits. This applies to only those who have no criminal records, have been in the US illegally for at least 5 years and are willing to pay their outstanding tax. The Republicans are angry though and call it "lawless amnesty". They believe it will encourage more people to arrive the US unlawfully.
"The action by the president yesterday will only encourage more people to come here illegally. It also punishes those who have obeyed the law and waited their turn." Republican Speaker of the House said today
But fortunately for Obama, he doesn't need the permission of congress to do this. It's called executive action - where a president can bypass the legislature, which he has done. Continue...



There are about 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US now and President Obama believes that a mass deportation of these people “would be both impossible and contrary to our character.”

He made the controversial announcement in an address from the White House yesterday Nov 20th You can read his full speech (It's quite a long one) culled from CNN, after the cut...

My fellow Americans, tonight, I'd like to talk with you about immigration.

For more than 200 years, our tradition of welcoming immigrants from around the world has given us a tremendous advantage over other nations. It's kept us youthful, dynamic, and entrepreneurial. It has shaped our character as a people with limitless possibilities -- people not trapped by our past, but able to remake ourselves as we choose.

But today, our immigration system is broken, and everybody knows it.

Families who enter our country the right way and play by the rules watch others flout the rules. Business owners who offer their workers good wages and benefits see the competition exploit undocumented immigrants by paying them far less. All of us take offense to anyone who reaps the rewards of living in America without taking on the responsibilities of living in America. And undocumented immigrants who desperately want to embrace those responsibilities see little option but to remain in the shadows, or risk their families being torn apart.

It's been this way for decades. And for decades, we haven't done much about it.

When I took office, I committed to fixing this broken immigration system. And I began by doing what I could to secure our borders. Today, we have more agents and technology deployed to secure our southern border than at any time in our history. And over the past six years, illegal border crossings have been cut by more than half. Although this summer, there was a brief spike in unaccompanied children being apprehended at our border, the number of such children is now actually lower than it's been in nearly two years. Overall, the number of people trying to cross our border illegally is at its lowest level since the 1970s. Those are the facts.

Meanwhile, I worked with Congress on a comprehensive fix, and last year, 68 Democrats, Republicans, and Independents came together to pass a bipartisan bill in the Senate. It wasn't perfect. It was a compromise, but it reflected common sense. It would have doubled the number of border patrol agents, while giving undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship if they paid a fine, started paying their taxes, and went to the back of the line. And independent experts said that it would help grow our economy and shrink our deficits.

Had the House of Representatives allowed that kind of a bill a simple yes-or-no vote, it would have passed with support from both parties, and today it would be the law. But for a year and a half now, Republican leaders in the House have refused to allow that simple vote.

Now, I continue to believe that the best way to solve this problem is by working together to pass that kind of common sense law. But until that happens, there are actions I have the legal authority to take as President -- the same kinds of actions taken by Democratic and Republican Presidents before me -- that will help make our immigration system more fair and more just.

Tonight, I am announcing those actions.
First, we'll build on our progress at the border with additional resources for our law enforcement personnel so that they can stem the flow of illegal crossings, and speed the return of those who do cross over.

Second, I will make it easier and faster for high-skilled immigrants, graduates, and entrepreneurs to stay and contribute to our economy, as so many business leaders have proposed.

Third, we'll take steps to deal responsibly with the millions of undocumented immigrants who already live in our country.

I want to say more about this third issue, because it generates the most passion and controversy. Even as we are a nation of immigrants, we are also a nation of laws. Undocumented workers broke our immigration laws, and I believe that they must be held accountable -- especially those who may be dangerous. That's why, over the past six years, deportations of criminals are up 80 percent. And that's why we're going to keep focusing enforcement resources on actual threats to our security. Felons, not families. Criminals, not children. Gang members, not a mother who's working hard to provide for her kids. We'll prioritize, just like law enforcement does every day.

But even as we focus on deporting criminals, the fact is, millions of immigrants -- in every state, of every race and nationality -- will still live here illegally. And let's be honest -- tracking down, rounding up, and deporting millions of people isn't realistic. Anyone who suggests otherwise isn't being straight with you. It's also not who we are as Americans. After all, most of these immigrants have been here a long time. They work hard, often in tough, low-paying jobs. They support their families. They worship at our churches. Many of their kids are American-born or spent most of their lives here, and their hopes, dreams, and patriotism are just like ours.

As my predecessor, President Bush, once put it: "They are a part of American life."

Now here's the thing: we expect people who live in this country to play by the rules. We expect that those who cut the line will not be unfairly rewarded. So we're going to offer the following deal: If you've been in America for more than five years; if you have children who are American citizens or legal residents; if you register, pass a criminal background check, and you're willing to pay your fair share of taxes -- you'll be able to apply to stay in this country temporarily, without fear of deportation. You can come out of the shadows and get right with the law.

That's what this deal is. Now let's be clear about what it isn't. This deal does not apply to anyone who has come to this country recently. It does not apply to anyone who might come to America illegally in the future. It does not grant citizenship, or the right to stay here permanently, or offer the same benefits that citizens receive -- only Congress can do that. All we're saying is we're not going to deport you.

I know some of the critics of this action call it amnesty. Well, it's not. Amnesty is the immigration system we have today -- millions of people who live here without paying their taxes or playing by the rules, while politicians use the issue to scare people and whip up votes at election time.

That's the real amnesty -- leaving this broken system the way it is. Mass amnesty would be unfair. Mass deportation would be both impossible and contrary to our character. What I'm describing is accountability -- a commonsense, middle ground approach: If you meet the criteria, you can come out of the shadows and get right with the law. If you're a criminal, you'll be deported. If you plan to enter the U.S. illegally, your chances of getting caught and sent back just went up.

 The actions I'm taking are not only lawful, they're the kinds of actions taken by every single Republican President and every single Democratic President for the past half century. And to those Members of Congress who question my authority to make our immigration system work better, or question the wisdom of me acting where Congress has failed, I have one answer: Pass a bill. I want to work with both parties to pass a more permanent legislative solution. And the day I sign that bill into law, the actions I take will no longer be necessary. Meanwhile, don't let a disagreement over a single issue be a dealbreaker on every issue. That's not how our democracy works, and Congress certainly shouldn't shut down our government again just because we disagree on this. Americans are tired of gridlock. What our country needs from us right now is a common purpose -- a higher purpose.

Most Americans support the types of reforms I've talked about tonight. But I understand the disagreements held by many of you at home. Millions of us, myself included, go back generations in this country, with ancestors who put in the painstaking work to become citizens. So we don't like the notion that anyone might get a free pass to American citizenship. I know that some worry immigration will change the very fabric of who we are, or take our jobs, or stick it to middle-class families at a time when they already feel like they've gotten the raw end of the deal for over a decade. I hear these concerns. But that's not what these steps would do. Our history and the facts show that immigrants are a net plus for our economy and our society. And I believe it's important that all of us have this debate without impugning each other's character.

Because for all the back-and-forth of Washington, we have to remember that this debate is about something bigger. It's about who we are as a country, and who we want to be for future generations.

Are we a nation that tolerates the hypocrisy of a system where workers who pick our fruit and make our beds never have a chance to get right with the law? Or are we a nation that gives them a chance to make amends, take responsibility, and give their kids a better future?

Are we a nation that accepts the cruelty of ripping children from their parents' arms? Or are we a nation that values families, and works to keep them together?

Are we a nation that educates the world's best and brightest in our universities, only to send them home to create businesses in countries that compete against us? Or are we a nation that encourages them to stay and create jobs, businesses, and industries right here in America?

That's what this debate is all about. We need more than politics as usual when it comes to immigration; we need reasoned, thoughtful, compassionate debate that focuses on our hopes, not our fears.

I know the politics of this issue are tough. But let me tell you why I have come to feel so strongly about it. Over the past few years, I have seen the determination of immigrant fathers who worked two or three jobs, without taking a dime from the government, and at risk at any moment of losing it all, just to build a better life for their kids. I've seen the heartbreak and anxiety of children whose mothers might be taken away from them just because they didn't have the right papers. I've seen the courage of students who, except for the circumstances of their birth, are as American as Malia or Sasha; students who bravely come out as undocumented in hopes they could make a difference in a country they love. These people -- our neighbors, our classmates, our friends -- they did not come here in search of a free ride or an easy life. They came to work, and study, and serve in our military, and above all, contribute to America's success.

Tomorrow, I'll travel to Las Vegas and meet with some of these students, including a young woman named Astrid Silva. Astrid was brought to America when she was four years old. Her only possessions were a cross, her doll, and the frilly dress she had on. When she started school, she didn't speak any English. She caught up to the other kids by reading newspapers and watching PBS, and became a good student. Her father worked in landscaping. Her mother cleaned other people's homes. They wouldn't let Astrid apply to a technology magnet school for fear the paperwork would out her as an undocumented immigrant -- so she applied behind their back and got in. Still, she mostly lived in the shadows -- until her grandmother, who visited every year from Mexico, passed away, and she couldn't travel to the funeral without risk of being found out and deported. It was around that time she decided to begin advocating for herself and others like her, and today, Astrid Silva is a college student working on her third degree.

Are we a nation that kicks out a striving, hopeful immigrant like Astrid -- or are we a nation that finds a way to welcome her in?
Scripture tells us that we shall not oppress a stranger, for we know the heart of a stranger -- we were strangers once, too.

My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too. And whether our forebears were strangers who crossed the Atlantic, or the Pacific, or the Rio Grande, we are here only because this country welcomed them in, and taught them that to be an American is about something more than what we look like, or what our last names are, or how we worship. What makes us Americans is our shared commitment to an ideal -- that all of us are created equal, and all of us have the chance to make of our lives what we will.

That's the country our parents and grandparents and generations before them built for us. That's the tradition we must uphold. That's the legacy we must leave for those who are yet to come.
Thank you, God bless you, and God bless this country we love.

59 comments:

Anonymous said...

What the??checkout photos from Denmark boobs touching festival!

SANDRA said...

Please someone should summarize for me.

Eugenia said...

Nice move Mr President. God bless u.

Unknown said...

oh cool...abeg who get nokia charger?

Bishop Dammy said...

This would really cause so much commotion! He's granted it and it can't be reversed! Hope this action doesn't backfire..well its already stated *those without criminal records* it is well. Gal 6:10. BishopDammy#

national helm said...

okay oo...gud for dem
PEEP THIS; See Banging Photos Of Neymar's New Model Girlfriend......

ary said...

I think it is reckless, but yay for those who qualify

BONARIO NNAGS said...

Wow! So nice of him, posterity will be so fair on him.

~BONARIO~says so via NOKIA LUMIA

Unknown said...

Saw a headline on naijaloaded.com now saying "Linda ikeji is among those that broke my marriage-comedienne princess"

seunzyl said...

Nice one!

Unknown said...

Good bless Obama

Unknown said...

This is action man's decision.......making decisions against all odds.......A man of his words.....unlike Nigeria Mama Jonny......#no offence 2 his supporters# ******QUEENMAYA*****

Anonymous said...

Beautiful speech.. This is what our leaders should emmulate. Not jumping fences.

ujunwa said...

Am having headache Now, can't be able to read them ...lol

Unknown said...

a.k.a EDWIN CHINEDU AZUBUKO said...
.
Thats a gud call.... Everyone wants an american dream.... Niceone Obama..... *GLO BRING 3G TO KONTAGORA*
.
.
***CURRENTLY IN JUPITER***

Unknown said...

Nice move by the president. This is characteristic of good leadership.

#Sipping my Amstel Malta...
Commenting thru Glo 4G LTE

Unknown said...

Good news!!!!!!!!!
⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥♡thanks ⌣̊┈̥-̶̯͡»̶̥ 

Jesus Reigns said...

Good president, God bless u real good

Anonymous said...

A thinking president, ebele jonathan take a cue esp abt this boko haram madness

Unknown said...

If u read it to the end God bless u too Thanks,#THAT AKWA IBOM BOY#

Anonymous said...

Until Boehner comes for him. Infact. Until Republicans come for him! I can't wait for the attack and the controversy this' is going to steer up! You have to feel sorry for Obama tho, his presidency has been such a shame...no real impact. It's even worse that Republicans have taking over the two houses- congress would now be more hostile! Kai I hope he survives the next two years..

Anonymous said...

GBAM!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA. GOD BLESS OBAMA!

Anonymous said...

I'm really touched mehnn..Tell me why God won't continue to bless America..See correct nation,,See correct Presido..Dis man dey try o..hmmm..make God turn Naija to better country too..

Unknown said...

Thunder must fire all the wicked redneck edomites blocking this move by Obama. Idioots did they come to America lawfully from Europe ?

Anonymous said...

Olodo people can't you all read well? It only worked for them no to be deported and not become a US citizen. Only congress can grant and change laws to make them citizens.
If you a felon pack your back straight, if you recently came to America pack your back and go , if you plan to come tomorrow you have a high risk you will be caught.

Unknown said...

Clear and Clean english language by the number 1 citizen of the world Ordinary Nigerian governors and honourables will say things common men don't understand...Some of us are still lost in the trill #@loopyball

Unknown said...

Wow I love this man more. That's a tough but brilliant decision. I love this lines "Felons, not families. Criminals, not children. Gang members, not a mother who's working hard to provide for her kids." God bless Obama.

Anonymous said...

Linda I know you won't post thus but don't be stupid he dud grant it pass anything...get ur facts right

phlexx said...

God Bless America!

Unknown said...

It simply mean if u have any relation in US who is an illegal immigrant, who has been in US for more than 10yrs and your family has considered he/her dead, they can now come out of their hiding and take a fwesh breath of life. Don't worry your uncle will soon come back home...So do u now understand???

Anonymous said...

IF OBAMA GIVE FREE VISA TO THE USA,I AM NOT INTERESTED....USA SINCITY...MTCHEW

chuh said...

Ok o....just passing sha
For latest Jamb news and updates click here

OMG!WOMAN said...

Strong speech. Obama is a brave man. Poor Astrid Silver. Better is the end than the beginning

Richard said...

Love this man passion. Real man. Fuck the haters.

Unknown said...

Your not well lol

Unknown said...

Ah too long anyhow thanks to Obama changing the lives of people whose life is going to get much better now

Anonymous said...

Usually not one to pull out the race card but I see no other explanation for their constant resistance against everything this man does!! I'm sure for him to use Executive order, he must have been like "I'm done playing nice, f**k these idiots!" He hasn't done anything different that your fellow republicans in recent times even on immigration. Do I agree with this immigration policy completely? No, but at least he is looking for a more permanent solution that makes a compromise. They are constantly trying to choke him out. I bet they say racists things behind his back...calling him the N word. The Lord will continue to be your strength Barack. As Daniel was in the den of lions, you shall finish your tenure untouched. Amen!

Anonymous said...

Lmao, good reply nnenne.

yao said...

U were helping until u became sarcastic!

Anonymous said...

Sandra, why ask someone to summarize it for you? If it were 3 hours Nollywood. Or mills and boons you won't ask someone to do that. For the sake of your kids who will ask mummy questions and she cants answer and they will term you mummy that doesn't know anything, cultivate the fine art of reading. With practice you might be able to have a 3 rd degree sef. Hope dis ain't too long to read too?

Ezekiel I Mcbernards said...

@ Nnenna George u simply nailed it.hahahahahahahahahhahahaahh I can't stop laughing#deep

Anonymous said...

Do not confuse the issue linda, he only granted work authorization for several years to those who qualify and not GREEN CARD. This rule has NOT passed the senate yet and it HAS NOT been implemented yet.
They are only allowed to work and pay taxes on a special grant,stay in the country BUT NOT as a resident. They are not going to be permanent residents. But I am sure, after Obama leaves and the Republican takes office, trust me, they will repeal the law, it is already being overruled right now and are fighting this issue. People should be careful about applying, cause when you do, and Obama leaves in 2 years and the opposing party gets in, be sure to know that they would deport all those that applied.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately, the next person coming in will scatter it..

Unknown said...

God bless Obama

Unknown said...

Very nice of him

Unknown said...

Hahahahahahah so funny @Nnenne

Anonymous said...

Lie! my dear. Nothing will happen to Obama. God is with him.

Unknown said...

i can imagine how mad Donald Trump would feel about this lolz ... Linda you should check out Trump's response to this it would be hilarious to see his red face!

Eagle Eyes Media said...

Against all odds. This is the courage that Nigerian leaders grossly lack. Humane decision.

Victoria said...

Are you blind? Can't you read and summarize for yourself? You're the type that gives the whites the impression that putting something in a book will definitely hide it from a black man. Come on pick up a book and read and grow!

Unknown said...

Lol @nnena easy naw...she only asked for a summary not insult.

Unknown said...

Sharp one Obamachukwu!!!

Anonymous said...

God bless Obama and America

jbankzE said...

Sumbodi plz xplain fr me

~@iamjbankz SA to President Jonathan 2015~

Anonymous said...

Amen ! For staying strong to his roots..... And being able to relate with the struggles of a fair proportion of black ethnic minorities in America. God bless America. Barack Obama the great!

Anonymous said...

Dont mind that fat pig and foul mouthed girl. I personally think the excess fat in her system is beginning to block her brain. She should work on her body odour ! She wants to use Linda to revive her carreer that had gone quiet for a while. Linda has touched so many lives including mine. If she like make she go Osun river go cry . Wicked prayers are never granted. Particularly not in MFM which is Gods own church. Oya princess go gym go eat "eba" ! Linda we gat your back day and night ! This blog will never die as long as God liveth. Linda post my comment ooh ...... The matter pain me oooh.

Anonymous said...

Lmao. U are a talent 4 d comedy industry.

Uc said...

Mr know it all Biko leave Nigeria leaders out of it.its not like d Republicans are happy about it. Hope u read d part that says it has torn d American populace apart same way nigeria is torn apart even with good and meaningful legislation we will not agree. By d way I am just being neutral here oooo

Anonymous said...

Abeg make we contribute gv this pikin make em enta computer village buy emsef charger...ewu namma. Ur umunna dey talk serious issues u dey ask charger, monkey Benue!
Gab2shoessaysso

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