Obama Pushes for Immigration Reform in Speech

By Michael Lopez

Since the founding of our country more than two centuries ago, the annual State of the Union address has provided our nation's presidents the opportunity to speak directly to U.S. citizens about our country's problems, successes, goals and agendas. This week, President Barack Obama did exactly that, addressing such issues as innovation, job creation, taxes, health care and immigration, and pushing Congress to pass The DREAM Act.

“I know that debate will be difficult and take time, but tonight, let’s agree to make that effort,” he said, adding that he was "prepared to work with Republicans and Democrats to protect our borders, enforce our laws and address the millions of undocumented workers who are now living in the shadows."

"Let's stop expelling talented, responsible young people who can staff our research labs, start new businesses and further enrich this nation."

President Obama's call to action revives a contentious debate about immigration reform. Despite Democratic efforts to push the bill through Congress by the end of 2010, Senate Republicans blocked the measure in September, which would have allowed undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to remain in the country pending two years of college or military service.

“I think it was good that he mentioned it, but I was hoping for more," Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., told Fox News. "When he talked about it, I thought there’d be a broader discussion than what I heard.”

Republican Texas Rep. Lamar Smith disagrees, in large part because of the country's current economic situation.

"The President should put American workers first," Smith said. "While more than 14 million Americans are desperately looking for work, seven million illegal immigrants have jobs in the U.S."

Honestly, it's virtually impossible to delve into specific details about everything happening in America during a one-hour speech. But we're glad he stood up for this landmark legislation.

What did you think of President Obama’s State of the Union address? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Barack Obama, Daniel Hernandez, DREAM ACt, Immigration, Politics, President Obama, State Of The Union, the DREAM Act