WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama stepped up his criticism of Arizona's controversial immigration law Wednesday, calling it "misdirected" and warning that it has the potential to be applied in a discriminatory fashion.
Speaking at a joint news conference with Mexico's President Felipe Calderon, Obama called for overhauling the nation's immigration laws and said that can't be done unless Republicans support it.
The controversy over the Arizona law, which would make it a state crime to be in the country illegally, hung over Calderon's visit. Both leaders oppose the law, with Obama directing the Justice Department to review it for possible civil rights violations, and Calderon's government issuing a travel warning for Arizona, out of concern that Mexicans face an adverse political environment there.
Calderon made good on his pledge to take up the immigration issue during his meetings with Obama. He said the Arizona law criminalized migration and could encourage discrimination. He also called for the U.S. and Mexico to work together to solve the complex, politically sensitive immigration issue.
"We can do so if we create a safer border, a border that will unite us instead of dividing us, uniting our people," Calderon said. "We can do so with a community that will promote a dignified life in an orderly way for both our countries."
Almost twice as many people support the Arizona law as those who oppose it, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll this month. It found that 42 percent favored it, 24 percent opposed it and another 29 percent said they were neutral.
Obama has promised to start work on an immigration overhaul, but he's also warned that Congress may not have the appetite to take on the sensitive issue this year. He pointed out Wednesday that he can't get the 60 votes he would need in the Senate to pass an immigration bill unless some Republicans step forward. That Republican support could be hard to come by for Obama in an election year.
The two leaders spoke during a joint news conference in the White House Rose Garden following a private meeting. Obama will host Calderon at a state dinner Wednesday night.
mesadog posted at 11:40 am on Wed, May 19, 2010.
The Presdient throws America an Arizona under the bus while standing by and taking being slammed by the Mexican President. Why does this not seem to bother more people? By the way. California has a law similar to AZ on its books, is actually more strict in its wording was upheld. Where was and is the outcry against Ca? Both state laws follow 70 years of Federal law, the difference is that some large cities in Ca just ignore the law. The worst part of all this mess is that so many people are willing to sell out the rule of law and the right and obligations that do and should come with being an American citizen. Americans today have earned nothing and are acting that way. Just like spoiled rich children that are handed everything.
Accuracy posted at 11:49 am on Wed, May 19, 2010.
President Barack Obama to Mexico's President Felipe Calderon: Affirms support for immigration reform
Obama also promises amnesty for illegal immigrants through immigration reform.
The battle is brewing over S.B. 1070 - the immigration bill signed into law by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer ... and now, Obama has stepped into the fray.
Why? Because Obama is still promising amnesty for the more than 12 million illegal aliens living in the United States.
Concerning 12 million illegal aliens in the United States; Here’s a bit of what Obama has said: "Yes, they broke the law. And we should not excuse that. We should require them to pay a fine, learn English, and go to the back of the line for citizenship - behind those who came here legally. But we cannot - and should not - deport 12 million people. "
He is saying, forget the federal law. The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 assesses a single penalty for crossing the border illegally: deportation.
Masterrogue666 posted at 12:18 pm on Wed, May 19, 2010.
"President Barack Obama stepped up his criticism of Arizona's controversial immigration law Wednesday, calling it "misdirected" and warning that it has the potential to be applied in a discriminatory fashion." -- Didn't he state that already? If so, it can't be "stepped up". Although I do believe he "stepped in 'it'"...
"He said the Arizona law criminalized migration"-- Only if it's done ILLEGALLY.
"We can do so if we create a safer border" -- Yep, build at least TWO fences. El Presidente, you've never heard the saying "Fences make better neighbors"?
Hotcopone posted at 12:44 pm on Wed, May 19, 2010.
Really, is it all that important what Obama says?
He's now a one term President and with a strong possibility of the Democrats losing the House and Senate it won't matter.
It'll be nice to watch these Ultra Liberals get smacked back into oblivion in the fall.
RollerCam posted at 12:49 pm on Wed, May 19, 2010.
QUOTE: "Calderon... said the Arizona law criminalized migration and could encourage discrimination.
Even a fifth grader could pick Calderon's statement apart. Does he think Americans are as stupid as his hordes of Mestizo "constituents" are?
Long live discrimination against illegal migrators!
allamer posted at 1:29 pm on Wed, May 19, 2010.
The President of the United States speaking out against the enforcement of our immigration laws--- that is not appropriate for any elected official. All government officials--- federal, state, and local--- take an oath of office to support the Constitution of the United States. The president's oath specifically requires that he faithfully EXECUTE the Office of President of the United States and preserve , protect, and defend the Constitution. This means that a president must EXECUTE the laws; not ignore them or lobby for changes. Obama and many other politicians don't like our Constitution and don't want our immigration laws ENFORCED. There is no problem with our immigration laws; they just aren't being enforced. THAT is why Arizona passed its law requiring enforcement.
ArizonaRising posted at 2:39 pm on Wed, May 19, 2010.
Imagine if the home you built and reside within is invaded by those who covet it. The criminals don't ask you if they can come in - they don't even knock. They just walk right in and start claiming your home is really their own. America is our home.
People who want to come here to be part of that home are welcome to ask permission to enter. That is the rule of law. That is the way of higher civilization and dignified human existence.
We have a fifth column of criminals and destroyers within our nation that must be exposed and rooted out. Obama is part of that network. He actively supports and assists the invaders of our home. It's time for him to be removed from office now.
AZMomma posted at 4:21 pm on Wed, May 19, 2010.
Obama needs to realize that the majority of the American people are tired of seeing him (and his predecessors) on their knees before petty tyrants like Calderone.
You were elected to PROTECT this Country, so I suggest you either begin to do so, or face a one-term Presidency.
BTW - take Holder and Napolitano out the Cabinet...they are total losers who can't bother to READ something they are so quick to negate.
Or...are they just taking the fall for your own lack of interest in protecting the American people?
KaptainRandom posted at 7:19 pm on Wed, May 19, 2010.
Obviously, like some much of the rest of his staff, The President still has not read the bill, i repeat, like so many of his staff testified to congress. Somebody please ask President Obama if he has actually read the law. Put him on the spot like his mis-informed staff.
Marcus Gallio posted at 10:43 pm on Wed, May 19, 2010.
O'Bonehead has allowed BP to foul the Gulf of Mexico, has allowed foreclosures to hit an all time high and allowed numerous breaches of national security by NOT profiling terrorists at airports, borders and employment? And now this jug-head goofball is going to side with Calderone, the leader of a Narco-Terrorist State, to dictate what our laws should be?????
AZ Native posted at 10:49 pm on Wed, May 19, 2010.
No, Mr President- it is YOU who are misdirected...you got a lot of votes in Arizona that I doubt you will be getting next time if you keep pimping yourself out to the mexican president like this.
magenta83 posted at 6:59 am on Thu, May 20, 2010.
Nothing like having the President of the United States throw you under the bus. I'm sick of him. All he does is cater to other countries and to hell with his own. IF this even IS his country.
hotiron posted at 2:08 pm on Fri, May 21, 2010.
Obamas a joke !
Where is the leadership that is suppose to be evident from the President of the United States?
I say we all mail a set of knee pads to the White House, attn: Obama. The problem is that hes suckin' up to every other country and not supporting the United States, not taking care of business and not making any effort to ensure that the United States remains the best and strongest country in the world, and-we allow this to happen.
ciara500 posted at 7:57 am on Sat, May 22, 2010.
I was sitting there listening to the president of Mexico insult the state of Arizona and the president and congress applauded. It's a sad day when you see the president of these United States and elected leaders? turn their backs on their own. It's sad to hear them crack jokes and make fun instead of getting on top of the situation and do what they were elected to do.