President Obama has the highest record of deportations to date. If that is good, then the president is doing whatever he can to keep Americans safe. If it is bad, then that means he has broken his promise on immigration reform.

Obama has stated, and his administration officials have reiterated, that he is committed to comprehensive immigration reform, that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented workers. 

Not everyone agrees or is satisfied.

The Pew Research Center conducted a study, and found that the current president's deportation record is higher than President George W. Bush's. Under Obama, with the help from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), he has removed approximately two million people since he took office.

Since the removal of illegal immigrants from the U.S. by Obama, there has has been an increase in anti-deportation protests at the White House.

The Washington Times reported on the protesters, 30 activists and illegal immigrants, and some felt that the president should expand his non-deportation policy, known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), beyond young adults to include the most of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants already in the U.S.

Obama has stated that he does not have the authority to expand DACA, but he is trying to focus on the deportations of those with criminal records, or who have returned to the U.S. after previous deportations. 

The New York Times Op-Ed piece mentioned and criticized the Republican's new strategy for immigration reform. The Republicans released a list of principles that could spell hope. The Republicans' previous stance was get out, but now they're stating that immigrants should "get right with the law."

In addition, the Republicans have finally acknowledged the "Dreamers," and that those children should not be punished because of their parents' acts.

Another GOP principle when it comes to citizenship, they mention a "special" path to citizenship. However, it does not guarantee actual citizenship. And at the same time, the GOP wants to put heavier fines, and more punishments on the undocumented, as well as the expansion of the "E-Verify" database.

Meanwhile in New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio is talking about introducing a national Identity card (ID card) The New York Times reported. De Blasio is expected to have a cabinet meeting about the ID card system. 

While the ID card is not targeted at undocumented immigrants, those with the ID card can file police reports and report crimes, get access to housing and the library, as well open bank accounts.

Besides targeting illegal immigrants, De Blasio should make the ID card appealing to everyday New Yorkers. However, some immigration advocates fear that it will become the "scarlet letter" that identifies the holder's lack of status.

Since 2000, the Center for American Progress reported that two major immigration bills have passed. First it was the LIFE (Legal Immigration Family Equity) Act and LIFE Act Amendments of 2000; it's attempt was to help families stay together. 

Secondly, there was the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors, or DREAM, Act of 2001).

Just because the president has not fulfilled all of his promises on immigration reform, that does not mean the rest of the U.S. has to wait until he does. Beside New York's wanting to implement the ID card, cities such as New Haven and San Francisco have already instituted it.