He could have stressed learning English more than he did.
He could have stressed shutting down the migration across the border more than he did.
He could have stood on his head and ranted in French. Good grief. It was a good speech and it said the right things.
He could have done more and he could have done what the last six Presidents have done which was nothing.
If you read the President's speech you will see that he mentioned that subject not once, but twice. He said, ""I believe that illegal immigrants who have roots in our country and want to stay should have to pay a meaningful penalty for breaking the law … to pay their taxes … to learn English..."
Then he also said, "Americans are bound together by our shared ideals, an appreciation of our history, respect for the flag we fly, and an ability to speak and write the English language. English is also the key to unlocking the opportunity of America. English allows newcomers to go from picking crops to opening a grocery …"
How many times did you want him to mention it?
I feel more and more like a mushroom every time he talks to us...
The success of our country depends upon helping newcomers assimilate into our society, and embrace our common identity as Americans. Americans are bound together by our shared ideals, an appreciation of our history, respect for the flag we fly, and an ability to speak and write the English language. English is also the key to unlocking the opportunity of America.
He must think we're idiots. What kind of a commitment has an illegal made who works here, owns a house, perhaps a business and whose entire extended (illegal) family hasn't bothered to learn English?
I know many of you listening tonight have a parent or a grandparent who came here from another country with dreams of a better life. You know what freedom meant to them, and you know that America is a more hopeful country because of their hard work and sacrifice. As President, I have had the opportunity to meet people of many backgrounds, and hear what America means to them.
I know many of them, Mr. President, but they are all legal .... a minor point in your universe, but not the subject of the current controversy and debate.
Stop describing legal immigrants. The are not the problem. You are.
Is he learning English? Good for him!