Jul 01, 2010

Obama decries 'false debate' over immigration, backs comprehensive reform

12:15 PM

President Obama called on Congress, and particularly Republicans, to "get past the false debate that have divided the country" and pass comprehensive immigration reform.

"Once we get past the two poles of this debate, it becomes possible to shape a practical, commonsense approach that reflects our heritage and our values," he said in a speech at American University in Washington. "Such an approach demands accountability from everybody, from government, from business, and from individuals."

But, he said, such a reform needs the support of Republicans in Congress.

"Reform that brings accountability to our immigration system cannot pass without Republican votes," Obama said in his first major immigration speech as president . "That is the political and mathematical reality."

Obama also said a new immigration law in Arizona is "ultimately unenforceable" and has the potential of violating the rights of innocent American citizens and legal residents.

He also warned of a the spread of "a patchwork of local immigration rules where we all know one clear nationals standard is needed."

http://content.usatoday.com/communities ... e-reform/1