Obama vows for immigration reforms

Washington, Jan 21: US President Barack Obama on Monday vowed for a comprehensive immigration reform that would welcome new immigrants to the US and attract talented engineers from countries like India.

"Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity; until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country," Obama said.

Addressing the nation moments after being sworn in for his second term by the Chief Justice of the United States, Obama promised that immigration reform would be one of his top priorities for his second term.

While mentioning the talented engineers, the US President was apparently referring to the large number of engineers and technology graduates who are now being forced to go back to their countries either because of the long waiting period for legal permanent residency –popular as Green Card –or those not getting H-1B visas.

People from India have complained that they are the worst affected by the current system.

President Barack Obama, waves as he walks with his daughters Sasha and Malia, first lady Michelle Obama and mother-in-law Marian Robinson, to St. John's Church in Washington.

President Barack Obama is greeted by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton for his ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton speak with former President Jimmy Carter at the ceremonial swearing-in for President Barack Obama at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington.

President Barack Obama receives the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts as first Lady Michelle holds the bible at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington.

President Barack Obama receives the oath of office from Chief Justice John Roberts at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington.

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden listen to the benediction at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington.

President Barack Obama waves after his ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington.

President Barack Obama waves after his speech while Vice President Joe Biden applauds at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington.

Singer Kelly Clarkson is greeted by President Barack Obama, left and Vice President Joe Biden at the ceremonial swearing-in at the U.S. Capitol during the 57th Presidential Inauguration in Washington.

President Barack Obama supporters cheer on the National Mall in Washington, Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, prior to the start of President Barack Obama's ceremonial swearing-in ceremony during the 57th Presidential Inauguration.

PTI