Politics

Sen. Dick Durbin Tells Group of Illegal Aliens: You Could be President One Day

Remember the buzz surrounding Arnold Schwarzenegger a few years ago, when the hot topic was whether he was upset that he couldn‘t run for president because he wasn’t a natural born citizen? It was a short-lived controversy, as Schwarzenegger understood the Constitution forbade it, and for the most part he was fine with it.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) might want to get a civics lesson from Schwarzenegger.

During a Tuesday hearing on the DREAM Act, Durbin recognized a group of young illegal aliens in attendance and said one of them may be “our president” some day.

“When I look around this room, I see America’s future, our doctors, our teachers, our nurses, our engineers, our scientists, our soldiers, our congressmen, our senators, and maybe our president,” he said, after the group stood and was recognized:

But there’s just one problem. As Schwarzenegger understands, the Constitution doesn’t allow that. CNS News explains:

Making the young people Durbin was speaking of eligible to become president would require more than passage of the DREAM Act, however. It would require a constitutional amendment.

As the U.S. Constitution now stands, even legal immigrants are not eligible to serve as president. Article 2, Section 1, Clause 5 of the Constitution says: “No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President.”

Pesky thing, that Constitution.

The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act (or DREAM) offers a conditional path to citizenship for some illegal aliens. As CNS explains, it would “authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security ‘to cancel the removal of, and adjust to conditional nonimmigrant status, an alien who … entered the United States before his or her 16th birthday and has been present in the United States for at least five years’ subject to certain conditions, including that the person has been admitted to college or earned a high school diploma.”

(H/T: Gateway Pundit)

Comments (222)

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  • TomFerrari
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:43am

    Of MEXICO?

    Ever heard of that thing…

    Oh, what’s it called…

    Oh, yeah, The Constitution of The Unites States of America!

    Maybe he should read it sometime.

    Article 2, Section 1 you must be a natural born citizen.

    You would think, after this joke of a potus, we might even assure you are the child of TWO U.S. Citizens. You REALLY need to have NO LOYALTIES but to These United States. NONE! No ‘dual citizenship’ either (which is a crock, if you ask me).

    I think that was the last populist potus we will see in this generation – The United States is awake and will not make that mistake again!

    Report Post » TomFerrari  
  • John 3:16
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:43am

    Time to clean out Washington. I’ve never seen such idiots as those that have been elected. I’m still amased that people elected Obama. These elected officials are foreigners.

    Report Post » John 3:16  
  • yazoo
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:40am

    Not a good week for Durbin. First he shows his ignorance of the US Constitution, then he finds out he isn’t the only Dick is Washington.

    Report Post »  
  • watchmany2k
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:39am

    Proof that there should be a Constitutional amendment that a CONgressman or Senator
    must first pass a TEST on the constitution to be able to run.

    On the other hand Kim Jong Il will be free next year after he wraps up his chair position of the disarmament conference, so he will have the experience the DNC requires…..

    Dear God, I have woke up into bizzaro world ………

    Report Post » watchmany2k  
  • Concerned Green Beret
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:38am

    He either doesn’t know the constitution or this was intentionally thrown out there to begin the campaign to let anyone in the world become president. What do you think this whole Obama birth certificate flap was really about. I believe it was thrown out intentionally to begin conditioning Americans that anyone can be president.

    Obama sets presidence. Even if he was born in Hawaii, which I doubt based on what I have seen, his father was not a US citizen at the time of Obama’s birth. Politico released an article on Obama’s immigration (about a month ago) status during those years, and the immigration folks were going to deport his father for various reasons while he was attending Harvard. Politico obtained O’s fathers immigration papers to confirm this. So with that fact, Obama did not reach the standard as a natural born citizen defined at the time of the constitution (international law at the time of the constitution and the founders confirmed that a natural born citizen had to be someone born on the soil of the country of citizenship and born to two parents that are citizens of that country). O’s father did not meet that standard.

    I believe everyone in the media know this (including Fox News). I believe the MSM covered it up in order to begin the slope that all citizens of the world can be president. Foxnews, who the hell knows why they covered it up. But they did.

    Report Post »  
  • drbage
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:35am

    And Sen. Turban’s reply, “Oh, you stupid teabaggers and that pesky Constitution!”

    Report Post »  
  • TexasStu
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:34am

    I have a good 400 feet of rope just name a day and I will be there!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » TexasStu  
  • cowdude
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:33am

    So, what DURBIN is saying is they could be the SECOND non-USA citizen President but they would be able to openly disclose it.

    Cowdude
    http://conservativewatercooler.com

    Report Post » cowdude  
  • Mateytwo Barreett
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:29am

    Pick a date- ANY date!!

    Report Post » Mateytwo Barreett  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:27am

    The Democrats fight every state that tries to make a state photo I.D. mandatory to vote. With this little suck up by Durbin, isn’t it plainly obvious why? When a party has to actively pander to criminals for votes, you know they see the writing on the wall.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Hiswill
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:40am

      Watch Obama give blanket amnesty to all illegal aliens a month before the elections. How else will he get reelected.

      Report Post » Hiswill  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:55am

      Let him try, he can’t do that by executive order and he has no House support. It would guarantee his defeat.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 9:08am

      I have personally observed a woman voting multiple times with multiple social security cards.
      Okay, I only saw her vote once, but, when doing so, she WAS asked for an ID, and she opened her wallet, holding it VERY VERY close to her bosom, and selected through FOUR visible social security cards. I was behind her and had a perfect view of this as I was much taller and could see right over her shoulder.
      I reported it to the polling official who said there was nothing she could do about it.

      PHOTO ID IN EVERY STATE!!!

      PASS THE LAW NOW!

      BEFORE the next election is corrupted!

      No voting FOR your mom.
      No DEAD PEOPLE voting.
      No ILLEGAL ALIENS voting.
      No NON-CITIZENS voting.

      While we are at it, WHY do we keep expanding ‘early voting’?
      As a citizen, you have a DUTY to vote.
      If that duty means so little to you that you won’t get off your butt or take off from work or leave early for work or stop on your way home from work, to vote, then you shouldn’t be voting!
      This is a citizenship duty that should be a PRIORITY!
      If it is not a priority, then you shouldn’t vote – you are not taking it seriously enough.
      There are many places where it is illegal to sell liquor on voting days, for obvious reasons.
      “Early voting” makes these laws useless.
      Our parents and forefathers took this duty much more seriously.
      We need to also!
      Too many mail-in votes also.
      Get off your butt and go vote, or just don’t vote!
      (exceptions for disabled)
      MILITARY? ABSOLUTELY EVERY V

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Grayzel
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 9:27am

      Durban was speaking to a group of illegal aliens! Why do people brush this off. Sitting congressmen bring illegal aliens to where to talk about what? First, we get the claim it is impossible to deport them. then these idiots call them to Washington to testify about being illegal!

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 1:16pm

      Well said TomFerrari

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Arizona Don
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 4:07pm

      They are fighting it here in Arizona. But we are not surprised they know they did not carry Arizona last time and won’t in 12 so the liberal progressive dumcuffs are going to fight anything and everything we do.

      Report Post » Arizona Don  
    • Fenrir
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 4:32pm

      “As a citizen, you have a DUTY to vote.”
      TomFerrari

      Robert A. Heinlein had a great idea.
      Voting is the responsibility of every American.
      Unfortunately, not all Americans are responsible enough to have that right.

      It seems that Durbin is among those poor souls.

      Service Guarantees Citizenship!

      Report Post »  
    • yosemitefan
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 7:20pm

      I like the Iraq version of one person, one vote. Dip their finger in that purple ink – you spot them a mile away

      Report Post »  
  • NOBALONEY
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:27am

    Durbin, Reid, Schumer Kerry,Menendez, Lautenberg, Boxer, might as well jion Van Jones’ “Amereican Dream”.

    Report Post » NOBALONEY  
  • LoneStarGigger
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:27am

    Constitution? What Constitution? We make up the rules here! If it helps democrats get elected then it passes the Constitution litmus test.
    I am not sure exactly how ignorant the folks in Illinois are, but after foisting Obama on us, and now this joker Durbin, I think Illinoisians, Illinoisitanians or whatever the hell they call themselves have proven to me to be the most ignorant voters in this or any other country. Quite an accomplishment. You should be so proud, applaud yourselves!

    Report Post »  
    • coppercarla
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 1:22pm

      Hey, I didn’t vote for EITHER of them!!! Once you’re out away from Chicago, it tends to be a conservative state of small towns and farmers and sensible people.

      Unfortunately, it’s the liberal sinkhole known as Chicago that carries the politics for the state in most cases… it’s an interesting dichotomy of those the poor minorities on welfare, and the liberal elitists that think they’re better and know more than everyone else.

      The rest of the state would love it if Chicago were split off into its own city-state… but Chicago would be unable to survive without the rest of the state funneling funds in to support them.

      Report Post »  
  • BoiseBaked
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:26am

    Yeah, if Dick Durbin can be come a Senator, anything possible. I’m waiting for flying pigs.

    Report Post »  
    • Larry E
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 4:55pm

      Oh no! Flying pigs! Aren‘t they banned by Shari’a law?

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:26am

    Well, he certainly has the right first name, doesn’t he?

    Report Post »  
  • Darla_K
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:25am

    Don’t you think Dick that maybe we could find some jobs for the American people first before we try and find the illegals a job as president?

    Report Post » Darla_K  
  • liberalsarealiens
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:24am

    Yea, durbin you would like that huh? Total disreguard for the Constitution! Typical looney left!

    Report Post » liberalsarealiens  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:24am

    So we see again in this ones own word the step towards implementation of the DREAM act; they now are making the stance, the initial step of it, in claiming that by making the DREAM amnesty act law, then a non natural born American can become a president of the land.

    Unconstitutional indeed, clear, direct and simple.

    So expect the left to push even harder, faster, and if it fails, for the amnesty to come by the usage of a executive fiat order making it so, say in time for regisration of all the illegals in the ‘12 election.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • DOB54inLA
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:23am

    What a Moron!…….. or maybe he’s just “wishful thinking”?

    The Left Wing Press is going to jump all over this idiotic statement…….. NOT!

    Report Post »  
  • DOB54inLA
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:23am

    What a Moron!…….. or, maybe he’s just “wishful thinking”.

    the Left Wing Press is going to jump all over this idiotic statement…….. NOT!

    Report Post »  
  • Hiswill
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:23am

    Puttting false hope into an illegals mind is a terrible thing to do.

    Report Post » Hiswill  
  • SPOT_OF_TEA
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:22am

    Durbin looks around the room and sees our future………Poverty

    Report Post » SPOT_OF_TEA  
  • Truth Wins Every Time
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:22am

    Seems we already did this………..Obama.

    Report Post »  
  • TexasCommonSense
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:20am

    Yeah, Obama set the precedent for an illegal being president.

    Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • ares338
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:24am

      Got that right!

      Report Post » ares338  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:29am

      You would thing if they were going to create a phony birth certificate they could have done a better job than they did. They hospital name on the long-form didn’t exist ’til 1978. The father’s place of birth, Kenya, wasn’t a country ’til 1963. Prior to that it was a British colony. Which, by the way, while they argue Obama was a native-born citizen, the fact than his father was born in Kenya makes him NOT a natural born citizen. There is a difference, and natural born citizen is the requirement for presidency. Also, the father’s race is listed as African. In 1961 his race was considered *****; African wasn’t used.

      Any of my kids could have done a better job making a fake than this.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • Texas Grasshopper
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 9:03am

      they were trying to forge it poorly l , they forged it poorly so that it would sow anger and discontent in this Country . Distrust of Goverment , historically speaking , can be a powerfull thing . think of all the crazy things Federal dept are doing . the Evil BATF . How many Dept flying flags of gays now ? , Military invite Wanyseboro Baptist church ( which is not a church group but possible possible a gov provacataur group ) , The Federal reserve flying gay flags , Dept of Education SWAT Teams …et al ….this is all deliberate

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 3:29pm

      Exactly .. not to mention lowering the bar on intelligence and common sense and competence.

      Report Post »  
    • Arizona Don
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 3:54pm

      Ok, consider this:

      Correct me if I’m wrong because I’m attempting to do this from memory. If my memory serves me correctly when all the MSM stations and also O’Reilly on Fox announced Obama’s birth certificate had finally been released the statement was made that there would still be those who are doubters and many who would still not believe he was eligible to be president even after the release of the birth certificate. Therefore, perhaps the goal they wished to achieve they did. I do not know why, yet but seems to me they should have known the birth certificate would be thoroughly scrutinized. Since it was done so shabbily does it seem to anyone else they could have done a better job? My point is could they have wanted it to be disputed and why?

      Report Post » Arizona Don  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 4:23pm

      Arizona Don, that’s why I refer to him as the Great Divider-in-Chief. He apparently likes it when people are divided against each other. Rich Vs Poor, Whites vs Non-Whites, Republicans vs Democrats, etc. Watch this video and see why. Anarchy has always been the transition to an Oligarchy. Division amongst the serfs is the first step in that direction.

      http://www.wimp.com/thegovernment/

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
  • ares338
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:19am

    President of the United States of Tacoland. Come on over.

    Report Post » ares338  
    • Southernguy
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:21am

      If things keep goin‘ the way they are goin’, he may be right.

      Report Post » Southernguy  
    • vennoye
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 10:06am

      Why not, if Obama can become president, anyone can become president. Don’t expect to have “first” status, that has already been taken.

      Report Post » vennoye  
  • grandmaof5
    Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:18am

    Maybe Mexico will change its constitution and Dick could be president of Mexico. He could sneak in there illegally and apply for the job. No difference, except he would be in jail instead of living the high life with some dumb a** pandering to him.

    Report Post »  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:31am

      Morning Grandmaof5:

      The fact is that this is just one more attempt the liberals and leftists are using to pressure anyone who is opposed to their amnesty actions – legislative or executive fiat – into shutting up or making a dramatic expression they will twist out of all proportions.

      To them, the left, this is a ‘done deal’ and will most likely make it happen by the ‘12 election register deadline so they can get more and more voters. It is being done soley for blatant political and power reasoning – nothing more or less.

      Also, the Constitution and the Supreme Court (if I remember the case brought against McCain rightly) both mention the requirment of a NATIVE BORN CITIZEN is eligible for the POTUS; not anyone else.

      Though they will try to make it happen.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • TexasCommonSense
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:38am

      Snowleopard, respectfully, the requirement is actually Natural Born Citizen, instead of Native Born Citizen. There is a difference and it is significant.

      Report Post » TexasCommonSense  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 8:46am

      Snow – you think it was “right…” to question McCain’s citizenship?

      You honestly believe the children of our active duty military stationed overseas are not citizens of the United States?

      If so, where do you stand on obama‘s father being a British citizen and the possibility this precluded obama from being a ’natural born citizen’???

      Your example smacks of either bias of of political correctness.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 9:50am

      @TexasCommonSense:

      I do indeed stand corrected, no problem there, I take ownership of my goof. I should have said the Natural Born Citizen.

      @TomFerrari:

      No, I am not questioning the right for McCain to have run or his citizenship; I should have been more clear – the matter is if I recall rightly, that some people tried to get McCain disqualified due to him being born to military parents on the Panama Canal Zone, militiary base or district.

      The Supreme Court has ruled in the past that those born in the military bases to American parents are Natural Born Citizens and thus eligible to run for POTUS.

      Apologies for the confusion.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Bro. Chuck
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 12:15pm

      Seems ol‘ Dicky Durbin already has it in his mind that legal status doesn’t matter all that much……

      Could be that’s how he can sleep so peacefully each night….
      Knowing there’s nooooooo problem“o” with his lil buddy from Illinois –
      you know the guy….
      Barry “Hussseiny the Wonder Boy” Soetoro / Obama / Dunham / (whatever)……

      This idiot Durban would promise an illegal the Presidency….
      Obviously he doesn’t see a problem.
      Priceless……

      My neck hurts from so much head shaking lately…. :-(

      That’s why these buffoons need our prayers…

      Forgive me Father for being so snarky…
      I know i shouldn’t be this way….

      I’ll pray for them that they ulimately come to see how they are being used as tools of the evil one….
      spewing the insanity and stupidity that only they can seem to rationalize and justify as being “right”….
      Blinded and separating themselves from your Truth, Father….

      Help them, Lord….
      You know their condition, as well as the Remedy they need…

      Bless Them in Your Mercy & Forgiveness….

      In YahShuah HaMeschiach we pray……..

      Report Post »  
    • Wayne
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 1:00pm

      This bunch of trash in Washington would do anything to keep their jobs, people like durbin would destory this nation or sell his Grandkids for votes.

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 1:04pm

      We have an illegal as potus NOW!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 2:37pm

      Durban was hitting that crack pipe HARD before he said that…

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
    • Agnes
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 3:21pm

      Great comments. I would not mind if the idiot went to Mexico and stayed there permanently. He is one of the reasons why illinois is in such a disaster condition not to mention the corruption at all levels. Who do you think is paying this idiot’s salary? The illegals? I do not think so.

      Report Post »  
    • CatB
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 3:28pm

      What’s wrong .. we have an illegal alien right now as president .. even IF born in Hawaii .. his fathers citizenship was British and transfers onto the son. .. he was adopted by an Indoneisian step-father .. BO’s name then Barry Soetoro … traveled to Pakistan on a foreign passport (Americans were NOT allowed to do so at that time) Any information on a name change back or to Barack Hussein Obama? What about studying under a foreign student designation? Why so many Social Security numbers (and the one now from a state he never lived in and another persons name to whom it was originally issued to)? This and many other “problems” with Obama — natural born citizen … LOL ..yea right. So yes I guess any other illegal alien could be president also .. why not? Barry certainly has lowered the bar on Presidents! 2012 the end of an ERROR.

      TEA!

      Report Post »  
    • JohnGalt
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 3:32pm

      Ya I wish Mr. Durbin, Or can I call you Dick? as a transplanted Canadian I would love to be President, I would take the U.S back to it’s Constitutional roots, enact term limits for the House, get rid of the 17th amendment, get rid of the Fed and pass a balanced budget amendment. Declare treason on anyone, specially elected officials, who have in anyway shape or form harmed, planned harm, or led legislation that would cause harm to this Country and the Constitution it was founded. Oh and I would secure the borders on both sides of the country, so as much as a bird could not fly across the border without being stopped and searched.

      So Dick, please becareful what you ask for, you may get it.

      Report Post » JohnGalt  
    • Goodforall
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 3:38pm

      Typical liberal idiot. He thinks that since Obama got away with it (so far) anyone else can to. Whenever these libs speak their brains fall out.

      Report Post »  
    • zoro51
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 3:41pm

      HELL NO the consitiutiopn IS direct NO alien will be president PERIOD this troll needs to be voted out HES DAFT has no clue and doesnt read the constitution nor history… UGH NUT JOBS GO AWAY!

      Report Post » zoro51  
    • old white guy
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 4:51pm

      durbin drubin, still stupid after all these years.

      Report Post »  
    • the hawk
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 6:44pm

      What an A$$ just when ya think libs might have a speck of brains !

      Report Post »  
    • madashell2
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 7:15pm

      Ummm… that seems to be a very popular misconception by a lot of very stupid, complacent, insane Americans. Look what’s in the white house.

      Report Post » madashell2  
    • Xcori8r
      Posted on June 30, 2011 at 9:06pm

      This ignorant fool is in no small part one of the reasons the Community Organizer-In-Chief got elected.

      He stewarded Obama into the spotlight and along with Pelosi, purposely ignored the Constitution as to the legitimacy of one Barack Hussein Obama; who, as the son of the Kenyan colonial subject, was born a subject of the British Crown (even though he was born inside of the US to a citizen mother).

      If he had his way, we would have a second illegitimate President.

      Report Post » Xcori8r  
    • EP46
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 5:02am

      Obama is NOT A NATURAL BORN CITIZEN….this term was created by a Frenchman in the 1700′s and there are historical papers showing the Founders adopted the term and corresponded with his office regarding this. The term NATURAL BORN CITIZEN means a person born of TWO PARENTS who are citizens of the nation……..obama, if born in Hawaii, is a NATIVE BORN citizen…his mother a citizen and being born in Hawaii…his father was a British citizen…obama was born with DUAL citizenship…HE IS NOT ELIGIBLE under the U.S. Constitution to be President of the U.S. He needs to be kept OFF THE 2012 ballot for President.

      Report Post »  
    • neveragainadem
      Posted on July 1, 2011 at 11:13am

      EP:
      Your comment is always what I beleived to be the requirement for presidency. These birthers that claim he’s not eligible because they believe was not born here, are missing the point entirely. It seems the whole point of eligibilty is built around dual citizenship which any child has when one parent is not a citizen of this country.

      Report Post » neveragainadem  
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