Obama's 2009 Immigration Stance Goes Viral, Though Record Was Mixed
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In 2009, Obama said "We can't have half a million people pouring over the border" during a speech on immigration. This quote recently went viral.
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Obama called for a "comprehensive approach" to immigration including border security and a humane approach to migrants already in the U.S.
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He said new migrants must learn English, "earn" citizenship, and there would be no "free ride" or "instant amnesty."
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Obama deported over 2.4 million people as president, nearly as many as his two predecessors combined.
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He also helped create protections for around 730,000 undocumented Dreamers brought to the U.S. as children.