Obama Calls for Immigration Reform, Urges Americans to Be a Nation of Laws and Humanity

In a statement addressing the ongoing debate on immigration, former US President Barack Obama weighed in on Sunday, calling on the nation to balance its laws with compassion and respect for all individuals.

The comments come as protests against President Donald Trump's overhaul of immigration policies and ICE raids continue to grip the country, stretching over a week. The demonstrations saw clashes with police in Los Angeles, with chants of anti-ICE and anti-Trump calls echoing through the streets.

In a social media post, Obama shared his take on the nation's current state, emphasizing the importance of coexisting as both nations of laws and immigrants. "DACA was an example of how we can be a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws," he stated.

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, initiated by Obama in 2012, allows some children of immigrants to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and a work permit. Despite efforts to dismantle it, the program remains in effect for those already enrolled.

Obama urged America to address its immigration system while upholding their shared humanity and dignity. "America's immigration system is broken," he said. "It's time to fix it – with compassion and heart."

The former president's statement echoes his long-standing stance on immigration reform, which underlines the need for a comprehensive approach that respects both individual rights and national security.

With anti-ICE protests showing no signs of abating, Obama's words serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle to balance competing priorities in America's complex immigrant policy landscape.