Thread: Obama: ‘No Is Not An Option’ For DREAM Act

Obama: ‘No Is Not An Option’ For DREAM Act

May 3, 2012 7:35pm
ABCNews.com - Breaking News, Latest News & Top Video News - ABC News

President Obama told a largely Hispanic audience today that he is ready to sign the DREAM Act and blamed Republicans for the failure of the legislation that would grant illegal immigrant students a path to citizenship.

“We’re going to keep fighting for this common-sense reform — not just because hundreds of thousands of talented young students depend on it, but because ultimately America depends on it,” the president said at the annual Cinco de Mayo reception at the White House. “‘No’ is not an option. I want to sign the DREAM Act into law. I’ve got the pens all ready. I’m willing to work with anybody who is serious to get this done, and to achieve bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform that solves this challenge once and for all.”

Today’s election-year celebration comes as the president courts Latino voters in the run-up to November.

“We know that securing our future depends on making sure that all Americans have the opportunity to reach their potential. And that’s why we’ve worked hard over the last three and a half years to create jobs; to make sure you get the care you need when you get sick; to make college affordable for everybody; to ensure that no matter where you are, where you come from, what you look like, what your last name is — even if it’s Obama– you can make it if you try,” the president said to applause.

In his brief remarks, Obama welcomed everyone to celebrate the “tres de Mayo” at this year’s party. The president will spend the real Cinco de Mayo this Saturday campaigning in Ohio and Virginia. “We just like to get the fiesta started early around here,” he joked.

This year’s “fiesta” included dance performances by Georgetown University’s Ballet Folklórico and traditional Mexican music. Guests mingled in the Rose Garden, sipping champagne and, of course, margaritas.

Obama: ‘No Is Not An Option’ For DREAM Act - ABC News

Obama At Cinco de Mayo Party Pushes Dream Act, Immigration Reform

Marco Rubio pushes his own DREAM Act

Psssst... Marco Rubio Will Be on the Ticket

Rubio's immigration push a potential lift for GOP

Rubio pursues DREAM, but immigration bill is a risk

Barack Obama pushes student citizenship bill

May 3, 2012 - 06:13 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is telling Hispanics he is ready to sign a bill that would allow illegal immigrant students a path to citizenship, a measure he calls a "common-sense" reform.



Speaking at a Cinco de Mayo reception in the Rose Garden, Obama blamed the failure of the Dream Act on a few Republicans in Congress. He says he will keep pushing for it, along with other fixes to what he calls the nation's "broken" immigration system.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations at the White House have become annual features under recent presidents. This one takes on added significance in an election year as Obama courts the Latino vote for his re-election.

Though a majority of Hispanic voters favor Obama, many have been frustrated by his lack of progress on immigration reform.

Barack Obama pushes student citizenship bill | WJLA.com

Executive order coming up.

Oh man - from what I'm hearing oBlabber's going get to keep squatting in the white house for another four years. I really shudder to think what kind of damage he can do with his next four years! It will be no holds barred. No wonder people are buying up guns and ammo again like crazy.