Obama: Borders Too Vast to Secure, Fed Laws Unenforceable

President Obama on Thursday pressed Congress to tackle a comprehensive immigration overhaul, saying a "national standard" is needed to prevent laws like the one Arizona recently passed from making up a "patchwork" system that burdens local governments.

Amid cries for tougher enforcement on one side and leniency on the other, Obama said he hears the "frustration" Americans have expressed about a "system that seems fundamentally broken."

He said that system would be "no exception" to the national challenges he's committed to tackling.

"We all know one clear national standard is needed," he said.

The call to action is a heavy lift for the president, who is keeping Congress' plate overflowing. As he tries pulling a financial regulation package over the finish line and begins implementing provisions of the health care bill, he's also pushing anew for action on a climate package. The speech on immigration follows back-to-back meetings Obama had with advocates and lawmakers at the White House this week. Read more...