On November 4, 2008, Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States, clinching enough electoral votes to beat 72 year-old Republican Senator John McCain. The president-elect will become the first African-American president in the U.S. when he takes office in January. The historical election was backed by a campaign for change that swayed even Republican voters as they grappled with issues such as a failing economy and costly war in Iraq. Mr. Obama is a 47 year-old Democratic Senator from Illinois who is credited with conducting an energetic and passionate campaign, often drawing tens of thousands of people to political rallies and campaign events. His opponent, who was on his second bid for presidency, faced a tough political climate due to much disappointment over the current administration. Senator Barack Obama accepted the presidential nomination at Grant Park in Chicago to a roaring crowd of 125,000. He stated: If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer. Advocates for change in U.S. immigration policy welcome Obama's Presidential victory, as he has continuously pledged to pass US immigration reform.