This kind of gaping inequality gives lie to the promise thatโs at the very heart of America: that this is a place where you can make it if you try. We tell people - we tell our kids - that in this country, even if youโre born with nothing, work hard and you can get into the middle class. We tell them that your children will have a chance to do even better than you do. Thatโs why immigrants from around the world historically have flocked to our shores.
Barack ObamaGoing back to the discussion we were having about immigration reform, some of the most challenging discussions I've had are with activists who essentially would argue that any immigrant from Central America, let's say, who gets here to this country should be allowed to stay because their country is dangerous, their country is poor, and the opportunities for that mom and that kid are much greater here, and why would you send them back?
Barack ObamaYou have people around the country who are benefitting from the steps that we've taken [with Obamacare] and as long as they continue to get helped, then at least I'll know in my own mind that the work we did here had a lasting impact.
Barack Obama