WhiteHouseWrap 03/14/10
Where Immigration Reform Stands
President Obama was supposed to meet with Senators Graham and Schumer at the White House on Monday on immigration reform. That meeting was re-scheduled to Thursday. The White House released the following statement after the meeting:
"Today I met with Senators Schumer and Graham and was pleased to learn of their progress in forging a proposal to fix our broken immigration system. I look forward to reviewing their promising framework, and every American should applaud their efforts to reach across party lines and find commonsense answers to one of our most vexing problems. I also heard from a diverse group of grassroots leaders from around the country about the growing coalition that is working to build momentum for this critical issue. I am optimistic that their efforts will contribute to a favorable climate for moving forward. I told both the Senators and the community leaders that my commitment to comprehensive immigration reform is unwavering, and that I will continue to be their partner in this important effort." -- President Barack Obama
But did you catch Senator Graham on ABC's This Week this morning? He didn't seem so thrilled with the progress of the Oval Office meeting last week. He criticized the President's leadership on the issue so far, saying "This idea that the President has been unwavering on immigration doesn't really pass the smell test." Graham pointed out that President Obama only made a quick reference to immigration reform during his State of the Union address.
"A hastily called meeting Thursday because of a rally next weekend is not unwavering," Graham said.
The South Carolina Republican and Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York are expected to unveil the framework for their bipartisan plan for comprehensive immigration reform soon.
Meanwhile, immigration reform proponents are planning a big rally in DC later this month. That rally is being organized by Reform Immigration for America, a group which is considered left of center.
"Today I met with Senators Schumer and Graham and was pleased to learn of their progress in forging a proposal to fix our broken immigration system. I look forward to reviewing their promising framework, and every American should applaud their efforts to reach across party lines and find commonsense answers to one of our most vexing problems. I also heard from a diverse group of grassroots leaders from around the country about the growing coalition that is working to build momentum for this critical issue. I am optimistic that their efforts will contribute to a favorable climate for moving forward. I told both the Senators and the community leaders that my commitment to comprehensive immigration reform is unwavering, and that I will continue to be their partner in this important effort." -- President Barack Obama
But did you catch Senator Graham on ABC's This Week this morning? He didn't seem so thrilled with the progress of the Oval Office meeting last week. He criticized the President's leadership on the issue so far, saying "This idea that the President has been unwavering on immigration doesn't really pass the smell test." Graham pointed out that President Obama only made a quick reference to immigration reform during his State of the Union address.
"A hastily called meeting Thursday because of a rally next weekend is not unwavering," Graham said.
The South Carolina Republican and Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York are expected to unveil the framework for their bipartisan plan for comprehensive immigration reform soon.
Meanwhile, immigration reform proponents are planning a big rally in DC later this month. That rally is being organized by Reform Immigration for America, a group which is considered left of center.