Obama announces action on sweeping U.S. immigration reform

  • 10 years ago
After years of growing discontent among Latino supporters and other immigrant rights groups, President Barack Obama is imposing the most sweeping immigration reform in a generation.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:

"Today, our immigration system is broken, and everybody knows it."

Through executive actions, Obama announced a three-part plan for reform.

First he's sending additional resources to law enforcement personnel at the border to stem the flow of illegal crossings.

Second he's making it easier and faster for high-skilled immigrants, graduates and entreprenuers to stay.

Lastly the plan is taking steps to deal responsibly with the 4.7 million undocumented immigrants in the country.

He said a major part of the deal is getting people to play by the rules.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:

"If you've been in America for more than five years; if you have children who are American cit