U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano made a major speech on Friday announcing the Obama Administration’s commitment to comprehensive immigration reform:
Let me be clear: when I talk about “immigration reform,” I’m referring to what I call the “three-legged stool” that includes a commitment to serious and effective enforcement, improved legal flows for families and workers, and a firm but fair way to deal with those who are already here. That’s the way that this problem has to be solved, because we need all three aspects to build a successful system. This approach has at its heart the conviction that we must demand responsibility and accountability from everyone involved in the system: immigrants, employers and government.
The speech received major coverage from the Associated Press, Reuters and the New York Times. Receiving particular attention was Napolitano’s statement that the administration has improved enforcement along the border and in workplaces sufficiently to make reform both possible, and necessary for further progress on the issue.
