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SoCal Lawmaker Blasts Obama "Amnesty" Plan

SAN DIEGO (CBS) — Facing mounting criticism over his failure to pass a comprehensive immigration overhaul, President Barack Obama has returned his focus to Latino voters to shore up support for Democrats in the November elections.

"Don't forget who is standing with you," Obama said as he blamed Republicans for standing in the way of progress.

Just weeks ahead of midterm elections that may spell disaster for Democrat majority in Washington, Obama has openly acknowledged the disappointment among Latinos over the immigration issue.

In addition to pledging renewed focus, he promised to help win passage of a controversial bill, known as the DREAM Act, that would allow young people who attend college or join the military to become legal U.S. residents.

But at least one Southern California lawmaker isn't pleased with the bill.

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Congressman Outraged Over DREAM Act: KNX 1070's Tom Reopelle Reports

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said this week that he wants to attach the measure to an upcoming defense policy bill that the Senate could begin considering as soon as next week.

Obama was revisiting the immigration issue again on Thursday. He has scheduled a White House meeting with Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Reps. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., and Nydia
Velazquez, D-N.Y., to talk about the DREAM Act, as well as an immigration bill Menendez plans to introduce and repealing regulations that give local police authority to make immigration
arrests.

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(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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