The Hill
Graham: Obama just paying lip service to immigration reform
By Eric Zimmermann - 03/14/10 11:26 AM ET

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) may be working with the White House to craft an immigration reform proposal, but you wouldn't know it from his comments Sunday morning.

The South Carolina Republican had no kind words for the president's efforts on the topic, accusing him of ignoring immigration and paying lip service only for temporary political reasons.

Graham laughed off the president's claim that he's been "unwavering" in his support for immigration overhaul.

"This idea that the president has been unwavering on immigration doesn't really pass the smell test," Graham said on ABC's "This Week."

Graham, who has been invited to the Oval Office twice in recent weeks to discuss his work with Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), said Obama's interest in the issue is only due to an upcoming march on Washington.

"A hastily called meeting Thursday because of a rally next weekend is not unwavering," he said. "This idea that this administration has been unwavering on immigration reform is just political spin and the people at the rally ought to know that."

Immigration reform proponents are planning a massive rally in Washington later this month. The rally is organized by Reform Immigration for America, a left of center group.

Graham even accused Obama of undermining the last attempt for immigration reform when he was in the Senate. The South Carolina Republican said Obama's proposal to sunset temporary worker provisions caused the fragile coalition supporting immigration reform to fall apart.

"He undercut the grand bargain," Graham said of Obama.

Schumer and Graham are set to unveil a framework for immigration overhaul that will serve as the basis for future legislation. Graham lamented that so far Obama hasn't offered a plan of his own.

"All you've done is talk about what we should do," he said. "Now is the time to lead."

http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/8663 ... ion-reform