State Of The Union Address 2014: Obama Scolds Congress, Says 'Let's Get Immigration Reform Done This Year'

President Barack Obama has delivered a forceful message to Congress in his State of the Union address, stating that he is willing to work without Congress to enact his reforms, including immigration reform. "Let's get immigration reform done this year. Let's get it done. It's time," the President said emphatically. The President called on Congress to work together on a number of issues, including economy, unemployment, environment and education.

President Obama pointed to the economic benefits that immigration reform might have, urging Republicans to consider his proposal. "Independent economists say immigration reform will grow our economy and shrink our deficits by almost $1 trillion in the next two decades. And for good reason: when people come here to fulfill their dreams – to study, invent, and contribute to our culture – they make our country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create jobs for everyone. So let’s get immigration reform done this year."

When speaking about education, the President also pointed to the strides made by young immigrants in the country. "Estiven Rodriguez couldn’t speak a word of English when he moved to New York City at age nine. But last month, thanks to the support of great teachers and an innovative tutoring program, he led a march of his classmates – through a crowd of cheering parents and neighbors – from their high school to the post office, where they mailed off their college applications. And this son of a factory worker just found out he’s going to college this fall."

While the President's speech did not point out the specifics of his immigration policy, he has made it clear that immigration reform will be one of the key issues he will take to Congress this year. In an empassioned speech, President Obama scolded the failure of Congress to work together. "When [the debate over the size of federal government] prevents us from carrying out even the most basic functions of our democracy – when our differences shut down government or threaten the full faith and credit of the United States – then we are not doing right by the American people.