Obama wants immigration overhaul 'as soon as possible'
- President Obama hosted a naturalization ceremony
- The president notes progress but wants the job finished
- Lawmakers in both chambers are likely to unveil immigration proposals next month
WASHINGTON — President Obama called on Congress on Monday to show "political courage" and get moving on an overhaul of the nation's immigration laws during a naturalization ceremony at the White House.
Obama noted that lawmakers in the Senate and House have made some progress toward finding common ground on immigration. A bipartisan group of eight senators who have been huddling on legislation is likely to introduce a bill next month.Similarly, a group of eight House lawmakers is working on a framework for overhauling immigration laws and is likely to unveil a plan in April as well.
Obama pressed lawmakers to deliver him a bill to sign soon after they return from Easter break.
"We are making progress, but we've got to finish the job," Obama said at a ceremony in which 28 immigrants took the Oath of Allegiance and officially became U.S. citizens. "This issue is not new. Everyone knows what's broken, and everyone knows how to fix it."
Obama's hopes to get a bill done quickly might be hard to meet.
Last week, Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., chairman of the Senate Judiciary committee, criticized Obama and fellow lawmakers for moving too slowly on legislation. Leahy said he doubted the committee could complete work on a bill by the end of April.
Obama, who threatened in January to introduce his own plan if lawmakers didn't quickly produce legislation, repeated his stance Monday that legislation should include a plan for improving border security and a pathway for about 11 million undocumented citizens in the country to earn citizenship.
The president's advocacy for a pathway to citizenship for those who are in the USA illegally doesn't sit well with some Republicans. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said the president's insistence on the issue suggests he wants the legislation to fail.
"What he wants is for the bill to crater so that he can use the issue as a political wedge in 2014 and 2016," Cruz said in an interview with TheDallas Morning News. "That is why I believe the president is insisting on a path to citizenship for those who are here illegally. Because by insisting on that, he ensures that any immigration reform bill will be voted down in the House."
Obama hosted three similar naturalization ceremonies during his first term, but Monday's ceremony offered Obama a backdrop to press his views on the issue as the debate in Washington intensifies.
He lauded the new citizens, including 13 U.S. troops, as the type of people who spur innovation and are crucial to keeping the economy humming.
"If we want to keep attracting the best and the brightest that the world has to offer, then we need to do a better job of welcoming them," Obama said. "We've known for years that our immigration system is broken, that we're not doing enough to harness the talent and ingenuity of all those who want to work hard and find a place here in America. After avoiding the problem for years, the time has come to fix it once for all."
The White House stepped up its public push last week when Vice President Biden used his induction into the Irish American Hall of Fame to make the case for an overhaul of immigration laws. Obama echoed the same sentiments.
"I want to sign that bill into law as soon as possible," Obama said. "Let's get this done, and let's get this done in a way that keeps faith with our history and our values."