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Image by jmtimages via FlickrWASHINGTON - Tens of thousands of people marched outside the White House on Sunday to press Congress to move on a long-delayed immigration reform, which United States President Barack Obama told the protesters "won't happen overnight".
Organisers hope the 100,000-strong "March for America" will put immigration reform, which failed in Congress in 2006 and 2007, back on the agenda after a year dominated by healthcare reform, the economy and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Some lawmakers oppose any attempt to help an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants become US citizens while others insist on stronger border controls first.
Mr Obama, who promised to make overhauling the immigration system a top priority in his first year as president, sought to reassure those at the rally with a video message presented on giant screens at the National Mall. "I've always pledged to be your partner as we work to fix our broken immigration system and that is a commitment that I reaffirm today," Mr Obama said to the cheers of thousands of demonstrators.
But he warned that a long haul was in store for the reform legislation.
"It won't happen overnight," he said.
Lawmakers failed to agree in 2006 and 2007 when they last tried to overhaul the immigration system.
Senators Chuck Schumer and Lindsey Graham released an outline of a Bill last week that calls for illegal immigrants who want to get on the path to legal status to admit they broke the law by entering the US, pay fines and back taxes, and perform community service.
They also would be required to pass background checks and be proficient in English before working toward legal residency, required before becoming a citizen. AGENCIES
From TODAYOnline.com, Tuesday, 23-Mar-2010----------
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