Yes, We Can. Now, Let's Do It!

Nobody doubts that President Obama supports immigration reform. When he did speak about immigration reform on his campaign trial (he didn't speak as much about immigration as he did other issues), he spoke of his dedication to passing comprehensive immigration reform; to passing legislation that W. couldn't. The problem, however, is that his carefully crafted and practically impotent rhetoric has remained largely unchanged and visibly tempered. He has made subtle changes, but those changes only signal the administration's trepidation in moving forward with immigration reform. Now, his goal is to "clarify the status" of the millions of undocumented immigrants in America. With all due respect, Mr. President, I don't think they need any clarification whatsoever; they know exactly what their status is.

The American public didn't elect President Obama to listen to his eloquent speeches or sound bites, nor did they elect him so that they could watch him incessantly like a Hollywood celebrity (well, reasonable and informed voters wouldn't have). No, they wanted change. They wanted action where there was inaction. And perhaps no other domestic issue in our political universe is in need of action than immigration. Our system is broken (pardon the cliche) and it simply needs to be fixed.

President Obama has an opportunity to do that in this potential watershed year. He is undoubtedly aware of the large support he garnered from Latino voters and the need of the Democratic Party to sustain that growing base. His action on immigration is absolutely imperative for his political survival, particularly in a debate that has turned largely and undeniably racial and cultural. The only question right now is whether he will indeed act by pressing legislators to produce for him a bill that addresses the great problems of our times. Carefully written and conservative speeches have their place, but immigration reform requires a more vocal and engaged leader.

President Obama must realize that the house is caving in, but there are very few that are willing to fix it. The lives of those that are deeply affected cannot wait any longer; they cannot wait until they are trapped beneath the rubble of a damaged immigration system. This issue transcends policy. It penetrates into the everyday lives of millions of people and affects them economically, socially and psychologically.

Can we fix the immigration problem? Yes, we can. Now, let's do it!