Obama is vague on immigration reform timeline

President Obama this morning again backed immigration reform, but left open the timing for any push through Congress, according to a article by Micheal Muskal on the Los Angeles Times website.



Speaking before Latino leaders at the Esperanza National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference in Washington, Obama said he remained committed to changing the current immigration policies to include a path for citizenship for the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States. As he has in the past, Obama also called for stronger border regulation.



\"Together, we must build a future where the promise of America is kept for a new generation,\" Obama said. \"We also know that keeping this promise means upholding America\'s tradition as a nation of immigrants. Those things aren\'t contradictory; they\'re complementary.



\"That\'s why I\'m committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform as president of the United States,\" he said.



\"We must also clarify the status of millions who are here illegally, many who have put down roots,\" Obama said. \"For those who wish to become citizens, we should require them to pay a penalty and pay taxes, learn English, go to the back of the line behind those who played by the rules. That is the fair, practical and promising way forward, and that\'s what I\'m committed to passing as president of the United States.\"



Obama also called for action against employers who exploit undocumented workers and insisted that borders must be tightened against illegal immigration.