Katherine Vargas, the White House director of Hispanic media, was interviewed yesterday on "Al Punto", Univision's Sunday morning talk show. Here are some excerpts of her responses to questions from host Jorge Ramos (my translations from Spanish):
To a question as to what President Obama would do if Congress passes legislation that does not include a path to citizenship:
Vargas: "The president has been very clear that he wants to see a package of migration reforms. But at this moment we can't speculate as to what the House of Representatives will do. Our focus now is to achieve a comprehensive reform package that includes the president's principles, which are very clear and have considerable support, bipartisan support, from religious leaders, business leaders, and the American public as well supports a pathway to citizenship."
To a question about how President Obama would respond if the House of Representatives passes no reform bill. Specifically, Ramos asked if the president would offer "deferred action" like that granted to the DREAMers:
Vargas: "At this moment, our entire effort is to achieve congressional approval of immigration reform. We don't need to speculate as to what will happen if this falls through. We are completely committed to a comprehensive immigration reform. . . . We can't say that deferred action could be used for 11 million people. Let's remember that deferred action is just temporary. We want a permanent solution. A permanent solution can only be achieved through immigration reform and through legislation, which only Congress can approve."
To a question about why the president doesn't stop deportations through which he has "separated thousands, tens of thousands of families":
Vargas: The president is committed to immigration reform and we know that we have an immigration system that doesn't work. But at the end of the day, we have to enforce the laws. It is the Congress that says we have to deport 400,000 persons per year. Therefore, it is important that we adjust the laws.
