Obama makes election-year change in deportation policy

[petegz28]

The Obama administration announced Friday it will stop deporting illegal immigrants who come to the country at a young age.

The politically charged decision comes as Obama faces a tough reelection fight against Republican Mitt Romney, and Hispanic voters in swing states will play a crucial role in the contest.

The change in policy could allow as many as 800,000 immigrants who came to the United States illegally not only to remain in the country without fear of being deported, but to work legally, according to a senior administration official speaking to reporters Friday.

In a Rose Garden statement, President Obama said the measure would “lift the shadow of deportation” from immigrants, some of who have made “extraordinary contributions” by “serving in our military and protecting our freedom.”

“That we would treat them as expendable makes no sense,” Obama said.

“They study in our schools, play in our neighborhoods ... they pledge allegiance to our flag, they are Americans in their hearts and minds ... and in every single way but one: on paper."

Obama was briefly interrupted by a reporter during his statement, a rare breach of protocol that caused the president to lose his temper.

"Excuse me sir, it's not time for questions, sir, not while I'm speaking," Obama said.

Later in his statement, Obama, pointing his finger at the reporter in front of the live TV cameras, said: "And the answer to your question, sir — and the next time I prefer you to let me finish by statements before you ask a question — is this is the right thing to do for the American people. I didn't ask for an argument, I'm answering your question."

The new policy will not grant citizenship to children who came to the United States as illegal immigrants, but will remove the threat of deportation and grant them the right to work in the United States.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, the policy change will apply to those who came to the United States before they were 16 and who are younger than 30 if they have lived here for five years, have no criminal history, graduated from a U.S. high school or served in the military.

A memo from DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano ordering the "prosecutorial discretion with respect to individuals who came to the United States as children" argued that those covered by the order "only know this country as home." It said these people "lacked the intent to violate the law."

The new policy will apply to individuals who are already in deportation proceedings, the memo said.

The policy change will accomplish portions of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, legislation that has stalled in Congress amid Republican opposition.

http://thehill.com/homenews/administ...gration-policy

[petegz28]

So basically he is just eliminating what it means to be a citizen. You aren't a citizen but you can come here illegally, stay here illegally and work. But you're not a citizen.

Aside from the right to vote, what's really left?

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by petegz28

So basically he is just eliminating what it means to be a citizen. You aren't a citizen but you can come here illegally, stay here illegally and work. But you're not a citizen.

Aside from the right to vote, what's really left?

Nothing really, so please set an example and leave.

Also, this deals with children who were brought here, but don't let little details get in the way.

[petegz28]

Originally Posted by cosmo20002

Nothing really, so please set an example and leave.

Also, this deals with children who were brought here, but don't let little details get in the way.

A, this is a repost and to that I say, my bad

B, 30 years old is not a child...unless you're a Liberal

[Iz Zat Chew]

Originally Posted by petegz28

A, this is a repost and to that I say, my bad

B, 30 years old is not a child...unless you're a Liberal

The guy you responded to is a liberal. There are about 800,000 new people that will be eligible to vote in a very short order.

[HonestChieffan]

Maybe this will just be a wash from the dead folks votes in florida since they have the balls to protect the value of a vote

[Otter]

Up to 1.4 million Unauthorized Immigrants Could Benefit from New Deportation Policy

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by petegz28

A, this is a repost and to that I say, my bad

B, 30 years old is not a child...unless you're a Liberal

They were brought here as a child.

[cosmo20002]

Originally Posted by Iz Zat Chew

There are about 800,000 new people that will be eligible to vote in a very short order.

Doesn't grant citizenship, so not sure how that would work.

[qabbaan]

Originally Posted by cosmo20002

Doesn't grant citizenship, so not sure how that would work.

Your buddies' policies against requiring any kind of voter ID and allowing same day registration with basically no proof of eligibility.

[listopencil]

Originally Posted by petegz28

So basically he is just eliminating what it means to be a citizen. You aren't a citizen but you can come here illegally, stay here illegally and work. But you're not a citizen.

Aside from the right to vote, what's really left?

The system is broken. From my personal experience, these illegal immigrants aren't taking jobs from anyone. They are taking jobs that too many young Americans are too lazy to accept. They are taking jobs that most adult Americans appear to be too lazy to accept. I would like to see a simple system in place.

Allow immigrants 90 days after entry to find a job. When they find a job, they are issued legal resident alien cards and are legally allowed to remain in this country. This includes the ability to get a special driver's license that would allow them to operate vehicles as necessary pending driving tests both written and practical. These driver's licenses would not serve as forms of ID, only the legal resident alien ID card would do that. Proof of employment is required in the form of state and federal tax deductions taken from their checks. In the event of termination, they are allowed 90 days to find other employment and meet legal resident alien status.

Participation in social programs can be debated, the payroll taxes should offset some of the costs. They would have no rights to vote in any elections as they would not be citizens.

[Deberg_1990]

Obama probably just won the election. Locked up the Hispanic swing vote.

[RNR]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Obama probably just won the election. Locked up the Hispanic swing vote.

He has had it for quite some time, nothing has changed. Both parties want them here. He is the first to openly play for their vote. The right has never done a damn thing to stop the migration. They talk all tough, but it was their hero Ronald Regan who stands as the only president who has given amnesty (to 300,000) illegals. Yet they are now pissed because a president from the left has won them over~

[Deberg_1990]

On a side note, what a complete tool that reporter was. I hope they lose their white House credentials.

Uncalled for breach of protocol and completely disrespectful and rude.

[patteeu]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

On a side note, what a complete tool that reporter was. I hope they lose their white House credentials.

Uncalled for breach of protocol and completely disrespectful and rude.

That's just silly. There's no such protocol. When a president avoids questions like this one does, it's the duty of reporters to push questions on them rather than sitting back passively and waiting for crumbs offered by the white house spokesman. It won't surprise me if he loses his credentials though.