Listen to Obama's speech and answer the following questions:
a) What is he going to do? First he will build on their progress at the border with additional resources for our law enforcement personnel, so that they can stem the flow of illegal crossings, and speed the return of those who cross over. Second, he will make it easier and faster for high-skilled immigrants, graduates and entrepreneurs to stay and contribute to their economy. Third, they will take steps to deal responsibly with the millions of undocumented immigrants who already live in their country. He also thinks they have to keep focusing enforcement resources on actual threats to their security. He says that the undocumented workers broke their immigration law, and he believes that they has to be held accountable, and especially those who may be dangerous.
b) How can he do this without congress's blessing? As a president there is certain things you can do without the congress's blessing.
c) What is an American according to Obama? An American according to Obama is someone that has an American attitude, speaks the language and loves the country. Also, someone who has lived their their whole lives or almost their whole lives, is considered an American, because these people has exactly the same dreams and hopes as an American.
d) What does Obama urge the house of Representatives to do? He wants them to pass a bill. He wants to work with both parties to pass a more permanent legislative solution. The day he signs that bill into law, the actions he takes will no longer be necessary.
e) What is your stand to the issue, do you think Congress will pass the bill soon? Give reasons for your opinion. I think Obama's steps will work in some way, but it would be smarter with a more permanent legislative solution. And if everyone worked together there would be a higher chance to succeed.
Sources: Obama's speech
Summary of Immigration Voices:
On November 22, 2013, nine Nobel Laureates met with the president. They talked about the importance of a robust immigration system in the United States, and some of them were immigrants themselves. It was really just a bunch of smart people talking about the importance of immigration. Immigrants can contribute to the country by working as lawyers, scientists, businesspeople etc., which the country needs. They also say that there is nothing wrong with the "dreamers", they have lived in America for a long time, are productive members of the society, and they are just as much an American as anybody else, but they are not Americans on paper, and this is something Obama wants to do something about.
President Quote:
I really liked this quote by Lyndon B. Johnson, because he is reminding people that the United States started with immigrants, and that all their ancestors are immigrants. In the United States there is so many different cultures and people, and he says that the land has flourished because of this, because it was fed from so many sources, and nourished by so many cultures, and I think the reason USA is such a big and wealthy nation is just because of this.
