US President Barack Obama delivers remarks on immigration reform at Del Sol High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 29, 2013. Credit: JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images
It was only yesterday that we were discussing an immigration deal put together by leaders in the Senate. Now, President Barack Obama himself is weighing in on the issue. Obama has already shown himself to be committed to making changes in this area, as he fought hard for the DREAM Act when it was reintroduced in 2012, as well as deciding not to punish young immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally. And after the November election, which saw massive Latino influence on the polls, Obama again reminded the electorate of his dedication to the cause.
With Republicans assessing the political climate, it looks like some meaningful immigration reform could actually happen. Experts predict that Obama’s plan will align closely with the one reached by the Senate, although it will diverge on one very important point. The Senate deal calls for a secured border to be established between the U.S. and Mexico before amnesty is granted to immigrants, whereas Obama most likely won’t make that same caveat.
In what other ways do the proposals differ? Where will a compromise land? Do you think Obama’s speech goes far enough? Too far?
RELATED: Click here to watch a live feed of the speech
Guests:
Josh Gerstein, White House Reporter for POLITICO
David Grant, Congressional Correspondent, The Christian Science Monitor