Five Things You Should Know About President Obamas Immigration Actions: 1. This is a big deal. Providing a mechanism that allows people to live and work in the U.S. without fear makes our country stronger. And its the right thing to do: We are a nation of immigrants—and we do well to live the values declared on the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty. 2. This policy is a step forward, but its only a partial fix. The struggle will continue until no family fears separation, and all of those living in the U.S. have a path to citizenship. The presidents measures are temporary and leave too many at risk. So while we celebrate that millions of families can now more fully pursue the American dream, we need to keep the pressure on Congress to pass lasting, comprehensive reforms. 3. The presidents announcements are big—but not unprecedented.2 In fact, every president since Eisenhower—Republican and Democrat—has taken executive action on immigration. When President George H.W. Bush implemented the Family Fairness Program, it gave opportunities for deferred action and work authorization to 40% of Americas undocumented population. 4. The American people want reform. Polls have shown a majority in favor of presidential action in the face of congressional inaction. Exit polls on Election Day two weeks ago showed that a majority also preferred finding a legal status for immigrants over deportation.3 Youll hear other polls quoted that cherry-pick information, but the fact is: Americans want change, and they will support executive action when Congress fails. 5. The president is acting because Congress hasnt. Leaders of both parties have said our immigration situation is a crisis—yet Republicans in the House have been unwilling or unable to take action. In the summer of 2013, a bipartisan bill passed in the Senate but was killed when House Speaker John Boehner yielded to pressure from his Tea Party members and refused to bring it for a vote. The president, immigration activists, and most Americans want Congress to act—but in the meantime, executive action provides some progress.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Nov 2014 03:25:25 +0000
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