LOS ANGELES – President Barack Obama on Monday pushed for immigration reform at a citizenship oath-taking ceremony for 28 immigrants, and called for ‘political courage’ in doing ‘what’s required’ in making lasting changes to the flawed US immigration system.
The president asked lawmakers to come up with legislation on comprehensive reform so that they may sign it into law “as soon as possible.”
“We are making progress but we’ve got to finish the job,” Obama was quoted saying at the Ceremony, according to an NBC News report.
The 28 immigrants who took their oaths of citizenship came from at least 24 countries, including Afghanistan, China, Ethiopia, Mexico, Germany, Ukraine, and Peru. Of the group, 13 individuals were from the US armed forces.
Obama noted that for the group of immigrants, citizenship is a reflection of one’s ties to the US as their adoptive homeland.
“As we look out across this room, we’re reminded that what makes somebody American isn’t just their bloodlines,” Obama was quoted saying in a Fox News report.
“It’s not just an accident of birth. It’s a fidelity to our founding principles, a faith in the idea that anyone, anywhere, can write the next great chapter in this American history,” he added.
Obama expressed support for the so-called bipartisan ‘Gang of Eight’ legislators who have been working behind closed doors towards crafting a bill that would reform immigration law. He said that he expected the bill to be ready for debate as early as next month.
The president also outlined his key points for immigration reform, which include border security, methods for “holding employers accountable,” a modernized legal immigration system, and “a responsible pathway to earned citizenship” for undocumented immigrants.
“Immigration makes us stronger,” Obama said, “It keeps us vibrant, it keeps us hungry, it keeps us prosperous. It is part of what makes this such a dynamic country.”
Prior to the president’s speech, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano delivered the oath of allegiance to the new citizens.
(With reports from NBC News and Fox News)