Legislative Reform is Still the Best Solution on Immigration
Legislative Reform is Still the Best Solution on Immigration
Congress Must Move; President Must Reach Across the Aisle
(Washington, D.C.) – President Obama is expected to announce executive action on immigration later this week. It is reported that this initiative is likely to include broad measures that he previously considered outside of his authority. Although details of the action are not yet clear, advocates on different sides of the immigration debate argue that the president appears likely to overreach, or to include arbitrary provisions that are either unfair or not grounded in law. Some in Congress are preparing measures which they believe will undercut this unilateral action, rendering part or all of it ineffective.
Daniel Garza, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:
“It’s unfortunate that the president’s past broken promises on immigration have left him backed into a political corner – one where he feels compelled to take unilateral action instead of working with Congress on a legislative solution. Congress too, has failed to lead – with House and Senate unable so far to reach across the aisle and agree on a package of reforms.
The American people favor immigration reform that promotes economic growth, improves enforcement, addresses the 11 million here without legal status, and provides relief for those brought here as children through no fault of their own. Any executive action will wind up being limited, arbitrary, temporary, and subject to legal challenge. It cannot fix the problems. Instead, it will poison the well for durable, bipartisan solutions. It will also make it harder to agree on measures to simplify taxes, limit unnecessary spending and regulation, and encourage economic growth.
The American people want real, bipartisan leadership. It is time for Republicans in Congress – who have repeatedly said they support reform – to act. And President Obama should stop treating this as a political issue, and work in good faith to achieve real reforms that make sense for the American people as a whole.”
For interviews with a LIBRE representative, please contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Steven Cruz, 202-578-6173.
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