27 Feb Obama Says He has 5 More Years to Fix Immigration
The USA Today reported that President Obama predicted re-election in an interview this week with Univision Radio, telling a largely Hispanic audience he will use a second term to push comprehensive immigration overhaul. “My presidency is not over,” Obama said when asked about the failure to come up with an immigration bill. “I’ve got another five years coming up. We’re going to get this done.” Obama rejected suggestions that the lack of an immigration bill is a broken campaign promise, saying “we’re going to need help from Congress” and Republicans have blocked legislation. The re-election candidate said his Republican candidates oppose comprehensive immigration overhaul, which involves tighter border enforcement as well as a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants who are already here. Obama also made what appeared to be a reference to Republican candidate Mitt Romney, who opposes legislation that would offer potential citizenship to illegal immigrants who attend college or join the military. “So far, have we haven’t seen any of the Republican candidates even support immigration reform,” Obama said. “In fact, their leading candidate said he would veto even the Dream Act, much less comprehensive immigration reform.” Obama taped the Univision interview a day before traveling to Florida, where the growing Hispanic vote is considered essential. Some observers see the national Hispanic vote as the key to the entire election. When it comes to immigration, Hispanics should also examine who they support for House and Senate seats, Obama said. The president also said, “I would have only broken my promise if I hadn’t tried” to get an immigration reform bill. “But, ultimately, I’m one man,” he said. “You know, we live in a democracy. We don’t live in a monarchy. I’m not the king. I’m the president. And so, I can only implement those laws that are passed through Congress.”