Thread: Obama slams Ariz bill as fight lifts immig to top of agenda

The Hill
Obama slams Arizona bill as fight lifts immigration to top of agenda
By Ian Swanson and Sam Youngman - 04/23/10 11:02 AM ET

A controversial bill approved by Arizona’s state legislation pushing the immigration debate to the forefront of the U.S. Senate.

President Barack Obama on Friday criticized the legislation, which would allow Arizona’s state police to check the documents of people they suspect are illegal immigrations. Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican, has said she will decide whether to sign the legislation soon.

The issue has galvanized people on both sides of one of the most divisive issues in American politics just as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) mulls whether his chamber should move to immigration reform or climate change legislation after it completes work on a Wall Street reform bill.

Obama on Friday called for Congress to continue to work toward immigration reform, saying the failure to act on a federal level has led to "misguided" efforts to curb illegal immigration like the one in Arizona.

"If we continue to fail to act at a federal level, we will continue to see misguided efforts around the country," Obama said.

Speaking at a naturalization ceremony for servicemen and women in the White House Rose Garden, Obama said he has instructed his administration to "closely monitor the situation" in Arizona and to "examine the civili rights and other implications of this legislation."

"The recent efforts in Arizona which threaten to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans as well as the trust in policie and their communities that are so crucial to keeping us safe," Obama said.

Hispanic lawmakers have increased their pressure on the administration and Democratic leaders to pick up immigration in recent weeks. They have also criticized the proposed Arizona law, and urged Obama to recommend a veto to Brewer, or to threaten to cut off federal funds if the bill becomes law.

“I’m sure the president could get the governor on the phone — I bet you that wouldn't be too hard to do — and say, 'Don't do this, because it could affect funding…from the federal government. It could affect the relationship between the federal government and the state of Arizona,’â€

[quote]“I’m sure the president could get the governor on the phone — I bet you that wouldn't be too hard to do — and say, 'Don't do this, because it could affect funding…from the federal government. It could affect the relationship between the federal government and the state of Arizona,’â€

Obama on Friday called for Congress to continue to work toward immigration reform, saying the failure to act on a federal level has led to "misguided" efforts to curb illegal immigration like the one in Arizona.

Crackheads ... this country is lead by Crackheads

People are being
~ murdered
~ Raped
~ Robbed
~ Kidnapped
~ Losing jobs

and thats your answer ~ "misguided" efforts to curb illegal immigration

How about we PROTECT American Citizens ... hows that for a novel IDEA

Obama on Friday called for Congress to continue to work toward immigration reform, saying the failure to act on a federal level has led to "misguided" efforts to curb illegal immigration like the one in Arizona.

"If we continue to fail to act at a federal level, we will continue to see misguided efforts around the country," Obama said.

Well, Obama, let's see if you can come up with a federal law patterned after the one in Arizona.

Arizona'a law is NOT misguided. It is wise and practical.

Omaba has no intentions of securing our border or enforcing our laws! What a disgrace!

Ultimatum! Strike a Deal!

The Washington Post reported Friday morning that Reid has issued an ultimatum to Graham; strike a deal in the next three weeks with Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) or Democrats will move forward with their own legislation.

Sick sick sick. These men both have betrayed the American people.

W

Be prepared to see Obama and his thugs put the squeeze on Arizona to NOT pass this new law! Our economy is on the verge of collapse and these clowns in DC think that upholding the law is misguided??! You've got to be s!@%ng me Pyle!! It's time that every freedom loving American patriot recognize this administration for what it is...a communist thugoracy bent on destroying everything that made this the greatest country on earth!

READ AND ADD COMMENTS TO THIS LINK.

Obama slams Arizona immigration bill
By the CNN Wire Staff
April 23, 2010 11:48 a.m. EDT

(video) President calls immigration bill 'misguided'

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Measure "threatens to undermine basic notions of fairness," President Obama says
Administration closely monitoring situation, president says
Bill would require immigrants to carry papers at all times
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer faces Saturday deadline to decide what action she may take on bill

Washington (CNN) -- President Obama on Friday criticized a controversial new immigration bill in Arizona, calling it "misguided."

"Our failure to act responsible at the federal level will only open the door to irresponsibility by others. That includes, for example, the recent efforts in Arizona, which threaten to undermine basic notions of fairness that we cherish as Americans, as well as the trust between police and their communities that is so crucial to keeping us safe," the president said at a naturalization ceremony for 24 members of the military.

"In fact, I've instructed members of my administration to closely monitor the situation and examine the civil rights and other implications of this legislation. But if we continue to fail to act at the federal level, we will continue to see misguided efforts opening up around the country."

Obama added, "As a nation, as a people, we can choose a different future, a future that keeps faith with our history, with our heritage, and with the hope that America has always inspired in the hearts of people all over the world."

The bill would require immigrants to carry their alien registration documents at all times and require police to question people if there's reason to suspect they're in the United States illegally. It also targets those who hire illegal immigrant day laborers or knowingly transport them.

Currently, officers can check someone's immigration status if the person is suspected in another crime.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, a Republican, is nearing a Saturday deadline to decide what action she may take on the bill, considered to be among the toughest immigration measures in the nation.

Critics argue the new law would foster racial profiling, saying most police officers don't have enough training to look past race while investigating a person's legal status.

iReport: Protesters at the Arizona Capitol

Some Latino members of Congress have urged Brewer to veto the bill, arguing that it unconstitutionally authorizes discrimination.

Supporters said the measure is needed to fill a void left by the federal government's failure to enforce immigration laws. Its leading sponsor, state Sen. Russell Pearce, said, "Illegal is not a race, it's a crime."

Pearce, a Republican, said, "We're going to take the handcuffs off of law enforcement. We're going to put them on the bad guy."

http://www.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/04/23/ ... tml?hpt=T2

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http://www.alipac.us/article5172.html

Originally Posted by from article

Obama on Friday called for Congress to continue to work toward immigration reform, saying the failure to act on a federal level has led to "misguided" efforts to curb illegal immigration like the one in Arizona.

MISGUIDED???!!!

Originally Posted by my good friend in Getyourassoutahere, Texas

communist thugocracy

Score +1 for the good guys' phrase of the day that fits like a glove on the Obama claw.