At American University today, President Obama outlines a roadmap for immigration reform that includes holding businesses, illegal immigrants responsible and fixing the broken legal immigration system.
After the jump, time coded Twitter log by Susan Maricle
All times are central. Speech started at approx 09:12:32
09:15:41;00
Obama: We can face our problems with determination or consign our families/children to a less secure future.
09:17:32;00
Obama on #immigration: "This administration will not just kick the can down the road" ;
09:18:39;00
Obama: We have always defined ourselves as a nation of #immigrants. Einstein, Tesla, Carnegie are among them.
09:20:19;00
Obama: we reap incredible economic rewards because we are a magnet for the best/brightest around the world #immigration
09:22:09;00
#Immigrants have helped to build/defend country, bring youth to our workforce. Obama
09:23:36;00
Every wave of #immigration, though, comes with challenges. Especially during economic upheaval. It is up to us to fix the system: Obama.
09:24:31;00
An estimated 11 mil undocumented #immigrants in US. The majority seek a better life. They live in shadows, subject to unscrupulous practices
09:25:30;00
Obama: Billions in tax $ lost b/c many undoc. #immigrants are paid under table. Patchwork fixes mean immigration system as broken as borders
09:27:47;00
Obama: The system's broken. Reform held hostage 2 political posturing, special interests who say wrangling w/ a thorny issue = bad politics
09:29:50;00
Obama: AZ #immigration law unenforceable, puts undue strain on budgets, penalizes citizens, builds barriers between citizens/law enforcement
09:32:23;00
Obama: Deporting 11 mil #immigrants "Logistically impossible, wildly expensive" . Also they are woven into fabric of society
09:34:38;00
Pres. Obama: The southern border is more secure than at any time in 20 yrs. But more work still to be done. #immigrants
09:36:14;00
Obama: Borders 2 too vast to be solved only with fences & border patrols. Businesses must be held accountable for hiring undoc. #immigrants
09:38:16;00
Obama: Responsibility needed from #immigrants living here illegally. Fine paid, English learned, taxes paid. Citizenship = responsibilities
09:39:24;00
We should stop punishing young people for their parents' actions. The DREAM Act would help: Obama on #immigration
09:40:41;00
Pres. Obama cites bipartisan efforts on #immigration reform, mentions Lindsey Graham, Chuck Schumer,
09:42:21;00
#Immigration reform: not just a legal issue but a moral imperative. Has been used to demonize & divide. Needs bipartisan support to repair.
09:43:13;00
Obama: I believe we can put politics aside and develop an #immigration policy that appeals to hopes, not fears.
09:46:53;00
On #immigration reform, Pres. Obama cites poet Emma Lazarus, whose words appear on the Statue of Liberty plaque.
09:47:17;00
The Obama speech has concluded.