Politics & Government

To be or not to be Illegal: That is the Question

Obama decides the temporary fate of illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children

On Friday, President Barack Obama announced an executive order stating illegal immigrants who were brought into the United States as children will be able to avoid deportation and get work permits for at least two more years.

Obama, who previously was reluctant to impose such an order, said that these children "are Americans in their hearts and minds; in every single way but one - on paper," and called his decision "the right thing to do."

However, some critics say his decision, which seemed to be aimed at Hispanics, was politically motivated, an attempt to gain favor with these voters in the November 6 election.

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His new policy will not grant amnesty or citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants, but instead, allow as many as 800,000 illegal immigrants under the age of 30 with clean records to work for the next 48 months without the worry of deportation proceedings.

Although some argue about his motives, both Democrats and Republicans agreed that Congress ultimately should decide the permanent fate of immigrants who were brought to the United States illegally by their parents.

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What do you think? Do you feel that the president’s move was a bold step in the right direction? Or do you feel that it was politically motivated, serving to send the issue of legal immigration down a slippery slope?

Take our poll, and tell us what you think in the comments.


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