#HuffPost Search The Full Feed Latest News The Blog Featured Posts Ian Reifowitz: Obama's America at the Debate: Immigrant Kids Ian Reifowitz: Obama's America at the Debate: Immigrant Kids HuffPost's QuickRead... Loading... HuffPost's QuickRead... Loading... * Mitch McConnell iPhone app iPad app Android phone app Android tablet app More Log in Create Account * Notifications * + Profile + Settings + Logout January 21, 2013 politics Edition: U.S. * CA Canada * FR France * IT Italia * ES España * US United States * UK United Kingdom ____________________ Submit * FRONT PAGE * Business + LOOK: 21 McDonald's Meals You Won't Find In America735 + WATCH: Warren Buffett On Obama's Biggest Second Term Challenge3k + The Worst Run Cities In America935 + 7 Inauguration Promises Obama Never Fulfilled1k + Walmart Accused Of Scam For 2nd Year In A Row2k Go to Business More in Business + Small Business + Money You might also like + World + Tech + Media + Arts + Sports + Weird News + Crime * Entertainment + Rapper Thrown Off Stage At Inaugural Concert3k + WATCH: Selena Gomez's Musical Message For Justin Bieber? 229 + Daniel Radcliffe Shocks Audiences With Boundary-Pushing Sex Scenes1k + Beyonce's National Anthem Performance547 + WHAT HAPPENED?276 Go to Entertainment More in Entertainment + Celebrity + TV You might also like + Comedy + Arts + Books + Food + Style + Weird News + Moviefone * Media + Barbara Walters Hospitalized 1k + Condoleezza Rice Joins CBS News As Contributor2k + Scarborough: GOP Cheated Way To House Majority2k + David Gregory Responds To NRA Calling Him 'Elitist Hypocrite' 1k + The Ratings Are In203 Go to Media More in Media + Eat The Press + Calderone: The Backstory You might also like + Entertainment + TV + Comedy + Arts + Books + Religion + Moviefone * World + Algeria Hostage Standoff Death Toll Climbs Past 80824 + 13 Suspected Al Qaeda Militants Accidentally Blow Themselves Up461 + Gunman Attempts To Assassinate Turkish Politician On Stage In Bulgaria3k + Climbers Killed In Avalanche 'Fell 1,000 Feet'103 + Death Toll Rising In Algeria Hostage Tragedy1k Go to World More in World + Foreign Affairs + Drug War + Afghanistan War + Syria + World Videos You might also like + Travel + Politics + Business + Tech + Religion * Sports + Super Bowl Matchup Set2k + Te'o To Do First On-Camera Interview688 + 49ers Rally Past Falcons To Reach Super Bowl232 + Mickelson Claims 'Drastic Changes' Coming Over Tax increases276 + Former U.S. Anti-Doping Agency Chief Rejects Lance Armstrong Claim1k Go to Sports More in Sports + NFL + College Football + MLB + Fails + Highlights You might also like + TV + Food + Tech + Comedy + Weird News * Tech + Could The iPhone 6 Have 'Fingerprint Detection' Technology?358 + Megaupload Founder Launches New File-Sharing Site937 + The 9 Most Popular Viral Videos Of The Week23 + The New Megaupload Is Here And It's Bigger Than Ever115 + Hundreds Pay Tribute To Internet Pioneer645 Go to Tech More in Tech + TEDWeekends + Social Media You might also like + Small Business + Green + Science + New York + San Francisco + TechCrunch + Engadget + Joystiq * Green + The Week's Best Photos Of Pandas, Leopards, Apes And More10 + Old Mysterious Shipwreck Found On Remote U.S. Island70 + Grounded Ship May Have Damaged Coral Reef43 + Over 140 Nations Agree To Cut Harmful Emissions51 + WATCH: Panda Cub Boot Camp Go to Green More in Green + Energy + Climate Change + Animals + Green Tech + Green Holiday You might also like + Politics + Food + World + Science + Healthy Living * Gay Voices + History Is Made As Obama Mentions Stonewall, Gay Rights During Inauguration Speech1k + Something To Celebrate: The Week's 10 Best Gay Moments 28 + Has It Really Gotten Better For Gay Military Couples?380 + 'Deport Piers Morgan' Radio Host Makes Shocking Claim About How Government Is Creating Gays105 + WATCH: The Evolution Of 'Gay' -- In Just Under Two Minutes 51 Go to Gay Voices More in Gay Voices + Transgender + Bisexual + Lesbian + Gay Marriage + Don't Ask, Don't Tell + Voice to Voice + Poll Position You might also like + Black Voices + Latino Voices + Style * DC + Officials Lower Inauguration Turnout Prediction Again452 + PHOTOS: MLK Honored By Activists, Celebrities And Leaders766 + PHOTOS: Inauguration Day Crowds Celebrate Big Day + 'Ace of Cakes' Star Preps Amazing Inauguration Cake14 + Packed To The Gills Go to DC More in DC + Restaurants + Real Estate + Around Town + Impact + Best of DC You might also like + Politics + Food + Black Voices + Weird News + Arts * LIVE + Now Covering Conspiracy + Next Gun-Shy Patients + Coming Up Beating The Winter Blues + Coming Up Suing Your Kids + Coming Up Sundance: A Bit Much? Go to HuffPost Live * ALL SECTIONS News + Politics + World + Business + Small Business + Money + Media + Sports + Education + Crime + Weird News + Good News Entertainment + Entertainment + Celebrity + Comedy + Arts & Culture + Books + TV + Moviefone Life & Style + Healthy Living + GPS for the Soul + Style + Home + Food + Taste + Weddings + Travel + Parents + Divorce + Huff/Post 50 + Marlo Thomas + OWN Tech & Science + Tech + Science + Green + TEDWeekends + TechCrunch + Engadget + TUAW + Joystiq Voices + Women + Black Voices + Latino Voices + Voces (en español) + Gay Voices + Religion + College + Teen + Impact Local + Chicago + DC + Denver + Detroit + Miami + New York + Los Angeles + San Francisco + Patch.com + Mapquest Our Mobile Apps + iPhone + iPad + HuffPost Live iPad + Android Phone + Android Tablet * Election Maps Politics * Pollster * Election Results * Politics Blog * Eat The Press * HuffPost Hill * CPI * The Agitator * Firsthand * First Hundred Days [blog_banner_logo.png] Featuring fresh takes and real-time analysis from HuffPost's signature lineup of contributors Hot on the Blog Leo W. GerardKlaus SchwabDavid BromwichJim Wallis HuffPost Social Reading [loader.gif] Some error occurred * Login with Facebook to see what your friends are reading * Enable Social Reading * i [loader.gif] * * * * Settings + Read Share Settings + Share everything I read + Share only things safe for work + Dont share what I'm reading + Read Share History + Learn More Ian Reifowitz Ian Reifowitz Author of 'Obama’s America: A Transformative Vision of Our National Identity' GET UPDATES FROM Ian Reifowitz Like [DEL: :DEL] 20 Obama's America at the Debate: Immigrant Kids "Understand Themselves as Americans" Posted: 10/17/2012 9:44 am React [follow-arrow.png] Important Funny Typical Scary Outrageous Amazing Innovative Finally Follow [follow-arrow.png] Barack Obama , Mitt Romney , Presidential Debates , Elections 2012 , Immigration , Obama's America , Politics News share this story Submit this story digg reddit stumble At last night's debate, President Obama said the following: "For young people who come here, brought here oftentimes by their parents, have gone to school here, pledged allegiance to the flag, think of this as their country, understand themselves as Americans in every way except having papers, then we should make sure that we give them a pathway to citizenship, and that's what I've done administratively." This remark, which refers to the Americans covered by the Obama administration's actions to provide work permits for young people brought here as children but without documentation, offers real insight into the president's inclusive approach to American national identity. Where some on the right would see nothing more than an "illegal immigrant," Obama recognizes a young adult who has been in this country, for example, for twenty out of the twenty-five years of her life and who has gone through an irreversible process of Americanization. That person is nothing but an American in terms of her national identity. He understands what it would mean to that person to be expelled from the only homeland she has essentially ever known. President Obama understands how national identities are formed, both on the individual and the societal level. He understand how and why an American comes to feel an attachment to this country and to his fellow Americans. The debate tonight was about many things, mostly about policy differences between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. For me, as a scholar of national identity, that one small remark stood out as demonstrative of something far larger. Only one of these candidates has demonstrated, for years and years, a public record of understanding how national identity works, and thus how to invigorate the national identity that binds together the American people. This Blogger's Books from Amazon indiebound Obama's America: A Transformative Vision of Our National Identity Obama's America: A Transformative Vision of Our National Identity by Ian Reifowitz Follow Ian Reifowitz on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ianreifowitz FOLLOW POLITICS Like [DEL: :DEL] 207k ____________________ Get Alerts * Mitt Romney * Immigration * Presidential Debates * Barack Obama At last night's debate, President Obama said the following: "For young people who come here, brought here oftentimes by their parents, have gone to school here, pledged allegiance to the flag, think... At last night's debate, President Obama said the following: "For young people who come here, brought here oftentimes by their parents, have gone to school here, pledged allegiance to the flag, think... More in Politics... [trans.gif] Barack Obama Rethinks The Bully Pulpit [trans.gif] Obama's Destiny As The Next JFK Faces... [trans.gif] Obama Stands Up To Grover Norquist, NRA [trans.gif] Citizens United: The Top 10 Biggest Beneficiaries... [display_comments_title.gif] * Comments * 86 * Pending Comments * 0 * View FAQ Comments are closed for this entry Community Notice: We've made some changes to our badge program, including the addition of our newest badge: Community Curator. View All Favorites Recency | Popularity Page: 1 2 Next › Last » (2 total) photo arizcitizen 127 Fans 06:23 PM on 10/23/2012 WILLIIE SUTTON WOULD CONSIDER HIMSELF A 'WITHDRAWAL EXPERT' IF HE USED THE SAME REDICULOUS REASONING. THESE ILLEGALS ARE NOT USA CITIZENS, THEY ARE ILLEGAL ALIENS AND NO MATTER HOW THEY TWIST THE WORDS, THEY ARE STILL ILLEGAL ALIENS. arizcitizen: WILLIIE SUTTON WOULD CONSIDER HIMSELF A 'WITHDRAWAL EXPERT' IF HE http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/arizcitizen/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_199150207.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… photo HUFFPOST SUPER USER BiggpussJr pissin em off one comment at a time. 554 Fans 04:44 PM on 10/18/2012 I thought that Americans consider themselves ......wait for it....AMERICANS.... he was talking about latinos who fly flags of Guatamala, Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador, and Panama. I have NEVER seen an illegal fly an American Flag. So Mr. President you are WRONG AGAIN. BiggpussJr: I thought that Americans consider themselves ......wait for it....AMERICANS.... he http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/BiggpussJr/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197577423.html History | Permalink | Share it photo rhycochet is an illiterate, right-wing technocrat. 24 Fans 08:18 PM on 10/18/2012 probably because you never knew how many AMERICANS flying those flags are actually illegal. the president wasn't referring to those orange-peddlers you find on street islands and standing off the freeway ramp who can barely make out a sentence in english. but apparently, all illegal immigrants and their offspring should present themselves that such obvious ways, according to you. why were the jews forced to wear stars of david again? rhycochet: probably because you never knew how many AMERICANS flying those http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/rhycochet/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197655214.html History | Permalink | Share it photo HUFFPOST PUNDIT spytheweb 1370 Fans 09:58 PM on 10/19/2012 "A 2009 Pew Hispanic Center report found that over half of Latinos living in the U.S., between the ages of 16 and 25 identify their nationality by their family’s country of origin. 20 percent of those surveyed identified themselves simply as Hispanic or Latino, while less than 20 percent call themselves “American.” http://www.examiner.com/article/is-this-pizza-chain-really-promoting-illegal-immigration spytheweb: "A 2009 Pew Hispanic Center report found that over http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/spytheweb/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_198030427.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… photo Steven Way 1 Fans 03:48 AM on 10/19/2012 Ya I can't stand all those immigrants flying their flags. Every time I see them lining the streets promoting their home countries, I wish they would just go back. And those damn parades and all that green beer! Bunch of drinkers. Steven_Way: Ya I can't stand all those immigrants flying their flags. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Steven_Way/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197750520.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… photo Karissa36 Saving lost boys and fighting pirates. 383 Fans 02:38 PM on 10/18/2012 So if I rob a bank, my kids can keep the money? How about if I bring them along? (I have at least one kid that would be a decent get-away driver. No license, but that's no big deal for illegals.) Does that make it all OK? This college fund planning can be brutal... Karissa36: So if I rob a bank, my kids can keep http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Karissa36/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197523766.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… photo alpina 329 Fans 01:07 PM on 10/18/2012 If I "understand myself" to be a Martian, or from France, does that make it so? We have laws in this (and other) countries about who is and who ISN'T a citizen, not fairy tales and wishes. alpina: If I "understand myself" to be a Martian, or from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/alpina/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197483650.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… photo Texas rebel 206 Fans 10:04 AM on 10/18/2012 These kids might understand themselves to be American, but in fact they are foreign nationals illegally in this country and need to be deported. Texas_rebel: These kids might understand themselves to be American, but in http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Texas_rebel/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197407109.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program photo jweider I know where my towel is 178 Fans 10:00 AM on 10/18/2012 "Americans in every way except having papers" And we are all millionaires in every way except having money. jweider: "Americans in every way except having papers" And we are http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/jweider/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197405560.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… photo Armando Cedillo 190 Fans 11:56 PM on 10/17/2012 So Ian, would you have no problem with repatriating the adults who smuggled these quasi-Americans into our nation against our will? Do you have any doubts as to the culpability of sentient adults who willingly circumvent border inspection points or stay past their visa expiration date? Armando_Cedillo: So Ian, would you have no problem with repatriating the http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Armando_Cedillo/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197324538.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… HUFFPOST SUPER USER nasknit Freedom isn't free. 793 Fans 11:34 PM on 10/17/2012 "Immigrant Kids "Understand Themselves as Americans" " REALLY? So, IF someone thinks they RULE the world, WE should "make it so"? nasknit: "Immigrant Kids "Understand Themselves as Americans" " REALLY? So, IF http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/nasknit/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197319363.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… Brobdingnag 52 Fans 09:09 PM on 10/17/2012 Offering citizenship to unlawfully present children allows them to sponsor their unlawfully present parents. This creates an incentive for future and even more illegal entry and presence. It just perpetuates the problem but ironically is sold as a "solution". Notice how the emphasis by Democrat politicians is on getting them citizenship (so they can vote Democrat). What you call an "inclusive approach to American national identity" can also be viewed as debasement of American citizenship and rule of law. Brobdingnag: Offering citizenship to unlawfully present children allows them to sponsor http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Brobdingnag/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197277772.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… photo iuriggs6 Sure thing. Shoot, Timmy. 238 Fans 01:11 PM on 10/17/2012 Thanks to the criminal activities of their parents these young people are receiving amnesty. iuriggs6: Thanks to the criminal activities of their parents these young http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/iuriggs6/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197109877.html History | Permalink | Share it This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program Chief Johnson2 72 Fans 07:35 PM on 10/17/2012 In our country we don't punish people for their parents crimes. Chief_Johnson2: In our country we don't punish people for their parents http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Chief_Johnson2/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197250025.html History | Permalink | Share it photo iuriggs6 Sure thing. Shoot, Timmy. 238 Fans 08:05 AM on 10/18/2012 That's correct, we reward them instead. iuriggs6: That's correct, we reward them instead. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/iuriggs6/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197374888.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. There are More Comments on this Thread. Click Here To See them All spinner Loading comments… photo rubbercow 188 Fans 11:08 AM on 10/18/2012 We also don't reward the parents for their crime. rubbercow: We also don't reward the parents for their crime. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/rubbercow/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197431476.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. There are More Comments on this Thread. Click Here To See them All There are More Comments on this Thread. Click Here To See them All spinner Loading comments… There are More Comments on this Thread. Click Here To See them All spinner Loading comments… This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… James Greybush The rules should be the same for everyone 60 Fans 12:56 PM on 10/17/2012 obama said these 30 year old 'children': "Understand Themselves as Americans". I thought they were all scientists and doctors. Why can't they understand that NO, they are NOT Americans and never will be. Americans take charge of their own lives, they don't beg for scraps at the dinner table. They dont break the law and blame someone else. These people will never know what its like to be American. James_Greybush: obama said these 30 year old 'children': "Understand Themselves as http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/James_Greybush/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197103954.html History | Permalink | Share it This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program Chief Johnson2 72 Fans 07:34 PM on 10/17/2012 They will be Americans on papers, too, and you can't stop it. Chief_Johnson2: They will be Americans on papers, too, and you can't http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Chief_Johnson2/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197249794.html History | Permalink | Share it James Greybush The rules should be the same for everyone 60 Fans 01:36 PM on 10/18/2012 i don't have to stop it. the legislation is fatally flawed anyway, thats why dream act hasn't passed in over a decade of trying. It is too broad and covers too many people to ever get enough support. James_Greybush: i don't have to stop it. the legislation is fatally http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/James_Greybush/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197496583.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. There are More Comments on this Thread. Click Here To See them All spinner Loading comments… This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… photo arizcitizen 127 Fans 06:44 PM on 10/23/2012 WELL SAID. arizcitizen: WELL SAID. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/arizcitizen/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_199153699.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… John P Miller Historian, Truthseeker 1456 Fans 12:37 PM on 10/17/2012 I agree with you that only President Obama has the real insight for these young people & their future in America. Romney appeared to share this view at one time, but now would deport them instead or in one of his classic ideas they would self deport. John_P_Miller: I agree with you that only President Obama has the http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/John_P_Miller/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197095986.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… huffposer 82 Fans 11:55 AM on 10/17/2012 We all "understand" that they are lawbreakers and deserve to get sent back to the countries from whence they came. huffposer: We all "understand" that they are lawbreakers and deserve to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/huffposer/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197078234.html History | Permalink | Share it photo HUFFPOST BLOGGER Ian Reifowitz Author of Obama's America 201 Fans 01:01 PM on 10/17/2012 Let's be clear: someone is twenty-five years old, was brought here illegally as a five year old by their parents, has now graduated from college, has no criminal record, and has no memory of living anywhere but America, and speaks no language other than English. You would send that person "back" somewhere else? Obama's policy affected people like the one I described. hp_blogger_Ian Reifowitz: Let's be clear: someone is twenty-five years old, was brought http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/hp_blogger_Ian Reifowitz/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197105925.html History | Permalink | Share it photo HUFFPOST SUPER USER lrobb Gold Standard = four paws and a tail 784 Fans 01:25 PM on 10/17/2012 Unless and until the federal laws are changed, absolutely yes. A government where laws can be ignored at will is called anarchy. lrobb: Unless and until the federal laws are changed, absolutely yes. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/lrobb/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197115802.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. There are More Comments on this Thread. Click Here To See them All spinner Loading comments… photo rubbercow 188 Fans 02:37 PM on 10/17/2012 Mr. Reifowitz, Respectfully. The propositions included in the DREAM Act are so wide open to manipulation and fraud that they cannot be taken seriously. I live in a neighborhood that is 92% Latino according to the last census. The children of illegal immigrants, whether born here or not, certainly speak the language of their parents. Do you honestly believe that the moment the parents crossed the border they stopped speaking their mother tongue or that the children instantly became unable to communicate with their parents? Of course not. The claim that these "kids" don't know any other language is false. Further, the transport of cultural norms is extremely strong within this community. Without making a value judgment I can tell you that fraud, cheating, lying and deception are quite common in this group and most of the time the individual does not even realize that those behaviors are wrong. Why should they? This is SOP in many of their home countries. There is also a decided reverence of the homeland. The Mexican flag, for example, is flown in lieu of the US flag on most homes and businesses in my neighborhood. Believe it or not, I have actually had a schoolboy flip me off for hanging a US flag on Memorial Day. If all of those seeking amnesty were outstanding people who were eager to assimilate we would not be having this discussion. rubbercow: Mr. Reifowitz, Respectfully. The propositions included in the DREAM Act http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/rubbercow/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197145012.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. There are More Comments on this Thread. Click Here To See them All There are More Comments on this Thread. Click Here To See them All spinner Loading comments… spinner Loading comments… spinner Loading comments… spinner Loading comments… spinner Loading comments… There are More Comments on this Thread. Click Here To See them All spinner Loading comments… spinner Loading comments… This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… photo voyager48 Illegitimi Non Carborundum 276 Fans 11:09 AM on 10/17/2012 Obama flat out ignores the fact that the illegal immigration door is still wide open. Until it is shut there can be no meaningful discussion about those here illegally nor can the issue be resolved. voyager48: Obama flat out ignores the fact that the illegal immigration http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/voyager48/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197059027.html History | Permalink | Share it This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program Chief Johnson2 72 Fans 07:25 PM on 10/17/2012 False, the border is safer than ever, and net illegal immigration is close to zero. Chief_Johnson2: False, the border is safer than ever, and net illegal http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Chief_Johnson2/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197246748.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… randyjet 288 Fans 11:07 AM on 10/17/2012 Unfortunately this is simply bait and switch tactics. The DREAM act mandate does NOT only refer to those who have been here most of their lives. A person who came here at age 16 is also elegible and there is no reality that a kid that old has no memory of their native country or thinks of themselves as American. The FACT is that most of these kids are NOT American at all, either legally or culturally since most of them speak their native language at home and even speak English poorly. Thus the problem of drop outs since they have a hard time learning English. THAT is the majority of the so called Dreamers. They are NOT all the valedictorians of their class, in FACT, they can get a GED in Spanish and French, so they do not even have to be fluent in English to meet the requirements of getting defered action. randyjet: Unfortunately this is simply bait and switch tactics. The DREAM http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/randyjet/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197058409.html History | Permalink | Share it This user has chosen to opt out of the Badges program Chief Johnson2 72 Fans 07:23 PM on 10/17/2012 Care to cite where did you get your statistics regarding your statements, like "most of them speak english poorly" or "That is the majority of the so called Dreamers". Chief_Johnson2: Care to cite where did you get your statistics regarding http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/Chief_Johnson2/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197246332.html History | Permalink | Share it randyjet 288 Fans 08:33 PM on 10/17/2012 I guess you have not seen stats on the drop out rates for illegals, and forget that bilingual education has NOT produced students who are fluent in English. I live on the border and most folks speak Spanish on a day to day basis. American kids do speak English well, but illegals who have come here recently do not. You also forget that the GED does NOT require fluency in English at all. So according to the provisions, a "kid" of 16 can come here illegally, take the GED test in Spanish, enroll in some course and take TEN years to get a two year degree in Mexican American studies. THAT is NOT advancing our national interest which is the SOLE reason for immigration as the late liberal Barbara Jordan pointed out. randyjet: I guess you have not seen stats on the drop http://www.huffingtonpost.com/social/randyjet/obamas-america-at-debate_b_1972421_197267269.html History | Permalink | Share it This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. There are More Comments on this Thread. Click Here To See them All spinner Loading comments… This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… This comment has been down-ranked into oblivion. View comment You have not right to carry out this operation or Error this operation. spinner Loading comments… Page: 1 2 Next › Last » (2 total) new comment(s) on this entry — Click to refresh spinner Loading comments… 2012 Election Results Obama Romney Obama Romney Electoral Votes (270 to win) 332 206 Map Obama leading Obama won Romney leading Romney won IFRAME: //www.facebook.com/plugins/like.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Felections.huffingtonpost.com%2F2012%2Fresults&send=false&layout=button_count&width=450&show_faces=false&action=like&colorscheme=light&font=trebuchet+ms&height=21&appId=253464974689151 Battleground States Obama Romney Virginia 99% Rpt. 51.2% 47.3% Florida 100% Rpt. 50.0% 49.1% N. Carolina 100% Rpt. 48.4% 50.4% Ohio 100% Rpt. 50.7% 47.7% New Hampshire 100% Rpt. 52.0% 46.4% Colorado 100% Rpt. 51.5% 46.1% Wisconsin 99% Rpt. 52.8% 45.9% Iowa 100% Rpt. 52.0% 46.2% Nevada 100% Rpt. 52.4% 45.7% Popular Vote Obama Romney Total 65,367,939 60,707,106 Percent 51.0% 47.3% Senate 33 out of 100 seats are up for election. 51 are needed for a majority. Democrat leading Democrat won Holdover Republican leading Republican won Democrats* Republicans Current Senate 53 47 Seats gained or lost +2 -2 New Total 55 45 * Includes two independent senators expected to caucus with the Democrats: Angus King (Maine) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.). House All 435 seats are up for election. 218 are needed for a majority. Democrat leading Democrat won Republican leading Republican won Democrats Republicans Seats won 201 234 Click for Full Results FOLLOW US * Facebook * Twitter * Apple * Android * Blackberry * Email * Rss Connect with your friends Check out stories you might like, and see what your friends are sharing! [facebook_promo_connect.png?3] Most Popular on HuffPost 6AIyD0osPg91kii5VpBRxtIO%2BLW2aWBLEdgbJWmUI2RO9lA8sM95eDk5CTWUA8oktUZ5NLiaBE%2B9nfCtFcATcCda6sXLgz1O fRijq6Rqr3ocXH%2BIaQRimv2hbv2DqsrYGGjA0VgF1xV1p4A4U%2BtCxv0MjD89SCxq0sIrn%2BQczSGUG7PzhOWkIQiwMZm9%2BKwV 1 of 2 Albuquerque Shooting Teenager Kills 5 People In New Mexico Shooting Recommend [DEL: :DEL] 12k Michelle Obama Inauguration PHOTOS: Michelle Obama Stuns At Swearing In Like [DEL: :DEL] 864 Kanye West Ex Kanye West's Ex Opens Up About Kim K, Rapper's Infidelities Like [DEL: :DEL] 135 Britney Spears Flashes Sideboob Britney Spears Flashes Sideboob Like [DEL: :DEL] 181 Adrienne Maloof Sean Stewart Dating 'Real Housewives' Star Dating Rod Stewart's Son Like [DEL: :DEL] 274 Inauguration Live 2013 Obama Inauguration Kicks Off President's Second Term (LIVE UPDATES) Like [DEL: :DEL] 4k Lupe Fiasco Rapper Thrown Off Stage At Inaugural Concert Like [DEL: :DEL] 9k Inauguration Schedule 2013 Obama's Second Term Kicks Off With Swearing In, Other Events Like [DEL: :DEL] 880 Katy Perry Inauguration PHOTOS: Katy Perry Wears American Flag Costume For Inaugural Concert Like [DEL: :DEL] 79 HuffPost Reporters P6q51%2FRaaguIPG3phmyYTfrPpsRln1s%2F wmIIjse8my04GqtEsV%2FMGvJJW%2BGtzaME 1 of 2 Google Maps Editor Groundtruth Team Bianca Bosker: Life As A Google Maps Editor: Screening... Comments (0) Obama Inaugural Address Sam Stein: Obama Inaugural Address: The Unapologetic President Comments (2,025) Obama Paul Ryan Ryan Grim: Obama Takes Aim At Paul Ryan In... Comments (2,352) Don't Miss HuffPost Bloggers 1 of 5 Leo W. Gerard Leo W. Gerard Walmart, Armstrong Seek Redemption Without Remorse Klaus Schwab Klaus Schwab The Re-emergence of Europe: Rebuilding Europe’s Global Brand David Bromwich David Bromwich Torture and Zero Dark Thirty Jim Wallis Jim Wallis The NRA’s Dangerous Theology Dr. Peggy Drexler Dr. Peggy Drexler Modern Heroes for Boys Marlo Thomas Marlo Thomas From Washington to Obama -- 15 History-Making Inaugural Moments Heidi Klum Heidi Klum WATCH: In Haiti With UNICEF Geoffrey R. Stone Geoffrey R. Stone Are Civil Unions "Good Enough" for Same-Sex Couples? Klaus Schwab Klaus Schwab The Re-emergence of Europe: Europe’s Credibility Gap John Mackey John Mackey The Future of Health Care and Free Enterprise Capitalism Licence to Cut: Skyfall Censored in China Why is Europe Still So Unprepared for Snowmageddon? Meet the Man Who Built a Full-Size Replica of a Train Car in His Basement Time - Politics TOP VIDEO PICKS 1 of 9 Civil Rights Icons Share Stories, Weigh In On Obama Play Play Scenes From Obama's Second Inauguration Play Play Inauguration Highlights Play Play MOST DISCUSSED RIGHT NOW 2RgnQXLokElFimSGDV8i8a43pip0bdKP iJKomeBLqmM3QvAVQ0trgKQA9zRBn5c9 1 of 2 [s-INAUGURATION-LIVE-2013-mini.jpg] Obama Inauguration Kicks Off President's Second Term (LIVE UPDATES) [s-PAUL-RYAN-INAUGURATION-mini.jpg] Paul Ryan Booed At Inauguration HOT ON FACEBOOK 2RgnQXLokElFimSGDV8i8TKPvBq8xPkmgYINREC4w8w%3D iJKomeBLqmM3QvAVQ0trgPTAYkCdRanfpr%2BnvSQA9QM%3D jpeKJKgSs0bJPlRX0pV4Fss35VaaM%2Fhsd5ArrOAf1yA%3D JvhXbPC36O0QJL67s6zy7w%3D%3D 1 of 3 [s-OBAMA-PAUL-RYAN-mini.jpg] Obama Takes Aim At Paul Ryan In Inaugural Address [s-MYRLIE-EVERS-WILLIAMS-mini.jpg] Civil Rights Leader Flashes Forward With Inaugural Prayer Slip-Up HUFFPOST'S BIG NEWS PAGES Social Media Ninja Social Media 'Ninjas,' Gurus' And 'Mavens' Are Multiplying By The Minute Video Obama Westboro Baptist Church 'Obama Antichrist' Inauguration Protest Fails Barack Obama Israel Election 2013 Israel Election 2013: Peace With Palestinians Not At Top Of The Agenda World Elections In 2013 Dennis Pitta Hit Dennis Pitta Hit: Jerod Mayo Levels Ravens Tight End In AFC Championship Game (VIDEO/GIF) Super Bowl XLVII The East Sundance 'The East,' Sundance Premiere, Debuts New Trailer (VIDEO) Movie Trailers Google Maps Editor Groundtruth Team Life As A Google Maps Editor: Screening Thousands Of Corrections And Making Maps By Hand Google Wrigley Field Renovations Cubs Stadium Wrigley Field Renovation: Cubs Unveil $300 Million In Planned Improvements (PHOTOS) Chicago Around Town Lance Armstrong Lance Armstrong's Enemies Find Vindication, Sadness After Oprah Interview Lance Armstrong Joe Biden Gop Joe Biden: GOP Relationship Strengthened By Trust Mitch McConnell more big news pages » _______________________________ Search * Advertise | * * Make HuffPost your Home Page | * RSS | * Careers | * FAQ * User Agreement | * Privacy | * Comment Policy | * About Us | * About Our Ads | * Contact Us * Copyright © 2013 TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc. | * "The Huffington Post" is a registered trademark of TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc. All rights reserved. * Part of HPMG News Quantcast HuffPost Lightbox