focused around "relief for illegals" - plans to introduce legislation in Fall (Korea Daily 4-10-09)
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Reporter Nicole Chang
President Barack Obama has embarked on immigration reform.
The President is shown to have planned to reveal the components of an immigration reform plan centered around legalizing illegal visitors by May of 2009 and to have Congress approve it by Fall.
The components of this relief are similar to what he explained during the Costa Mesa town hall - it is expected that those without a criminal record and pay certain penalties while learning English, they will be eligible to apply for permanent residency and citizenship.
On the other hand, it is also likely to include a strengthening of border patrol and enforcement against employers hiring illegal residents.
President Obama met recently with the party leadership of both Democratic and Republican parties, going down to the actual date of the introduction, and asked for their support. He will also establish an advisory committee made up of immigration organizations, and proceed with the legislative work.
The White House announced on April 9th that "While recognizing that the U.S. is going through some hard times, President Obama is hoping to start immigration reform this year. Details of the legislation will be forthcoming."
President Obama, who promised immigration reform back from his presidential race days, had declared that he intended to move forward with an immigration reform bill that would give permanent residency to illegal residents at the Orange County Costa Mesa town hall meeting on March 18th, as reported by the Korea Daily on March 19th.
At the same time, voices of dissent claiming that it is inappropriate to legalize illegal residents in times when Americans are suffering from the economic recession and massive unemployment.
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