 "Obama backs immigration reform bill")
Obama requested the Senate to quickly move forward the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill proposed by a bipartisan group of eight Senators, saying the legislation, once passed, will pave the way for the required changes in the immigration rules."The bill will provide a pathway to earned citizenship for the 11 million individuals who are already in this country illegally. It will modernise our legal immigration system so that we're able to reunite families and attract highly-skilled entrepreneurs and engineers who will help create good paying jobs and grow our economy," said the US President.
He said although the legislation may not provide "everything" due to its "compromising" nature owing to various complications, it will bring in the necessary amendments required in country's immigration policy."It is largely consistent with the principles that I have repeatedly laid out for comprehensive reform. This bill will continue to strengthen security at our borders and hold employers more accountable if they knowingly hire undocumented workers," Obama said.
The President was speaking after being briefed on the bill by the two leading Senators Chuck Schumer and John McCain at the White House.
The Department of Homeland Security in its report released in March 2012, estimated that there were 240,000 illegal immigrants from India in 2011, which are now going to benefit from this immigration reform.
Among the Asian countries, India is ranked third when it comes to illegal immigrants after China (280,000) and Philippines (270,000).