Senator Bob Corker issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s decision to take executive action on immigration:
“The president is not acting in strength, he is acting in weakness. This decision makes it clear that the president doesn’t have the ability and willingness to lead by rolling up his sleeves and doing the hard work to reach a consensus that is in the best interest of our country.
“The president is blatantly ignoring the rule of law and Congress’ constitutional role, and I could not be more disappointed. Congress has to respond, but the response should be prudent and we should not lose sight of the fact that our job over the next two years is to enact policies that will make our nation stronger.”
Congressman Scott DesJarlais said, “President Obama’s decision to act unilaterally on immigration shows a blatant disregard for the constitutional checks and balances upon which our government was founded and sets a troubling precedent for the use of executive power. Congress has the sole authority to create and amend laws, with the president’s duty being to faithfully execute those laws. Although he might wish otherwise, the Constitution does not give President Obama the authority to circumvent Congress simply because existing immigration laws conflict with his particular ideology. My colleagues and I will be reviewing all available options afforded to Congress to prevent this usurpation of power and preserve our rule of law.”
Representative Tom Graves issued the following statement:
“President Obama’s action defies voters, the law and even his own statements. My constituents are outraged by his brazenly political and lawless behavior. In response, the Republican majority in Congress is exploring every tool we have to keep the constitutional checks and balances intact. Our system of government is stronger than one man’s ambition, and I know that Congress will steadily lead the country through the final chapter of the Obama presidency. In the days ahead, it should be clear to everyone that the president’s political agenda for illegal immigrants will not be allowed to derail the work Congress needs to do for over 300 million American citizens. Congress must use its power to keep the government open and shut the president down.”
Congressman Chuck Fleischmann released the following statement:
“In March of 2011, President Obama told the American people, ‘There are enough laws on the books by Congress that are very clear in terms of how we have to enforce our immigration system that for me to simply, through executive order, ignore those congressional mandates would not conform with my appropriate role as President.’ Tonight, the President overstepped his role, not only by his own definition, but also in the eyes of the American people. Although I hoped the President would work with Congress to implement new laws in a just and legal manner, it appears the President has no plans to abide by the Constitution or listen to the American people.”
The American Immigration Council released the following statement:
"After decades of congressional neglect, tonight President Obama took a crucial and courageous step toward reforming our immigration system. He announced that he will provide immediate relief for many of those impacted by of our broken system, and he is offering Congress an architecture for the permanent reforms that our country desperately needs.
"Under the new policies announced, the Obama Administration will build on the successful Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program by providing temporary relief for the parents of U.S. Citizens and lawful permanent residents. The new program, to be called Deferred Action for Parents (DAP), will ensure that millions of U.S. Citizen and lawful permanent resident children will remain unified with their parents. The President also announced new enforcement policies and steps to improve the adjudication of business and family visas.
"Mindful that the full impact of the President’s announcement will reveal itself in the months ahead, the American Immigration Council will keep a close watch over how the agencies administer these new policies. We will work to ensure that they are implemented in a way that respects fundamental principles of fairness and due process."
The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) welcomed President Obama's announcement, saying, "The administration will act to address various problems plaguing our broken immigration system. The proposed administrative relief will benefit nearly five million immigrants who have lived in the shadows of our society for years. It will help them contribute more effectively to the betterment of their families, local communities, and the nation."
"The administration's decision will improve the lives of millions of immigrants who are already here, building communities and supporting families," said Jeanne M. Atkinson, executive director of CLINIC. "However, administrative relief is no substitute for legislative reform. We need a permanent fix to the immigration system that can only be achieved through bipartisan Congressional action. Our network has been gearing up to meet this huge need with increased trainings, program management support for sustainability, and additional funds to our network offices whenever possible. We will be ready."