Hoyer Statement on President Obama’s Immigration Accountability Executive Actions

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after President Obama announced the executive actions he will take to fix our nation's broken immigration system:

“This evening’s announcement signifies an important step toward addressing critical flaws in a broken system and encouraging Congress to fulfill its responsibility to act through legislation.  These executive actions will make our borders more secure, make the system more accountable, and prevent millions of undocumented immigrants from being wrenched apart from their families.

“Like his predecessors, President Obama is well within his legal authority to set guidelines with regard to immigration policies.  Congress has had plenty of opportunity to act – it has been more than 500 days since the Senate passed its comprehensive immigration reform bill by a strong, bipartisan vote of 68-32.  However, the House Republican Majority has failed to schedule a vote. 

“Let there be no confusion:  executive action is no substitute for Congressional action.  Instead of threatening to shut down the government in response to the President’s actions, Republicans ought to work with Democrats to take the next step and approve bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform legislation.  Doing so has the strong support of the American people, businesses, the high-tech sector, agricultural community, many faith groups, and civil rights organizations.

“I urge Speaker Boehner and Majority Leader McCarthy to allow the House to work its will so that we can restore the promise of America as a refuge for all those seeking freedom and a better life.”