Vice President Joseph R. Biden probably thought he was making a compelling argument for the House to pass immediate immigration reform — but what he did instead was admit his ancestors were lawbreakers.
Mr. Biden said Wednesday that some of his own ancestors were illegal immigrants, Politico reported.
“My great-great grandparents came escaping the famine, and they didn’t all come here legally,” he said, Politico reported. “They didn’t all come legally. And the existence of the system isn’t all truncated like it is now.”
Mr. Biden made the remarks during a public appearance with White House domestic policy head Cecilia Munoz to pressure House Speaker John Boehner into allowing a floor vote on the immigration bill that passed the Senate in June.
And his push is a bit outside the box of what President Obama advocated in terms of immigration policy reform just a few weeks ago. Mr. Obama said he’d welcome a piecemeal approach to reform — but Mr. Biden stepped up the rhetoric, appearing at odds with Mr. Obama’s mantra.
“Pass the bill, John Boehner, bring the bill up and let us pass it,” Mr. Biden said, Politico reported. “[Boehner] is unwilling to let the House speak, he is unwilling to let the House vote. John Boehner, call up the bill.”
SEE ALSO: Biden guarantees victory on immigration reform
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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