Pushing Obama to keep promises

Reflecting growing liberal frustration with President Barack Obama’s lack of progress on immigration reform, U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill. is barnstorming through the Bay Area this week to demand the administration slow down its record-high number of deportations. “He’s our champion,” said U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., who lands in the Bay Area on Tuesday. “He’s the one we want to support. But there’s a community of people he made a promise and commitment to, and we want him to keep it.” Obama continues to get high popularity ratings from Latinos and most immigrant groups, but Gutierrez is among a growing chorus of immigrant advocates who have expressed waning enthusiasm as the president launches his re-election campaign. 

President Obama, who has repeatedly referred to the immigration system as ‘broken’ was visiting California last week. While here, he made quite a few promising statements about immigration. Here are just a few of the headlines from his recent statements:
1. Obama wants immigration reform a fact before presidency ends
2. Obama at Facebook. Townhall transcript – Lynn Sweet
Rep. Gutierrez is correct in his goal of maintaining pressure on President Obama. Does Mr. Obama really want change, or are his recent pro-reform statements merely campaign rhetoric? Despite the President’s statements, immigration has clearly been a low priority for this administration. The economy, the war on terror, health care, and reforming the financial industry have clearly been more important. How committed is President Obama to immigration reform? His statements are encouraging, but, to date, his actions have been lacking