Skip to content

Barack Quote by Noam Chomsky

“President Barack Obama, to his credit, has given - issued personal pardons in deserving cases. But he should go far beyond. He should proceed to what is in fact an urgent necessity: to grant a general pardon to 11 million people who are living and working here, productive citizens in all but name…” quote by Noam Chomsky
Download Open image
“President Barack Obama, to his credit, has given - issued personal pardons in deserving cases. But he should go far beyond. He should proceed to what is in fact an urgent necessity: to grant a general pardon to 11 million people who are living and working here, productive citizens in all but name, threatened with deportation by the incoming Donald Trump administration. This would be a horrible humanitarian tragedy, a moral outrage.”

Noam Chomsky

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public Lecture on Immigration Policy, 2017

Granting a broad pardon would prevent a humanitarian crisis, protecting millions from unjust deportation.

In simple terms: A broad pardon would avert a humanitarian crisis.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for mass amnesty.

Themes

immigration human rights policy justice humanitarian

Mood

urgent empathetic political

Type

activist policy humanitarian

When to use this quote

  • Legislative debate
  • community organizing
  • legal advocacy
  • public opinion

Key Concepts

Political ethics law reform social justice

Questions to Reflect On

  • What are the moral obligations of a nation to migrants?
  • How can policy balance security and compassion?
A Different Perspective

Opponents argue it may encourage illegal entry.

4.7 out of 5 (7 ratings)

More by Noam Chomsky

Explore all 2,129 Noam Chomsky quotes

More Barack quotes

Browse all 1,672 Barack quotes