The gulf between Barack Obama’s immigration stance and Barbara Jordan’s

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Daily Caller :

 

 

 

The gulf between Barack Obama’s immigration stance and Barbara Jordan’s

 

 

3:50 PM 11/27/2012

 

Jeremy Beck

Director, NumbersUSA's Media Standards Project

 

During his November 14 press conference, President Obama said his broad vision of comprehensive immigration reform “is very similar to the outlines of previous efforts at comprehensive immigration reform.” This is newsworthy because previous comprehensive immigration reform efforts since 1986 have produced seven amnesties, none of which reduced illegal immigration. This begs the question: Is the permanent reduction of illegal immigration a goal of this administration?

 

The last bipartisan U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform studied the issue for six years. President Clinton appointed former congresswoman and Democratic icon Barbara Jordan as its chair. Jordan rose from humble means to become a lawyer and the first Southern black woman elected to the House of Representatives. She was a leader in the civil rights movement, a professor of ethics, a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and a world-class orator (two of her speeches are considered among the greatest of the 20th century). Her appointment gave the commission instant credibility. Jordan said that she believed her responsibility as the head of the commission was to restore credibility to the U.S. immigration system. On the issue of illegal immigration, Jordan was unambiguous about her goals: “Unlawful immigration is unacceptable. Those who should not be here will be required to leave.”

 

If you have never heard her speech or just have forgotten, I would encourage you to listen to a great American speak.