Obama announced a large-scale executive action on immigration that will allow nearly five million undocumented immigrants to remain in the country.

The action will benefit undocumented immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for more than five years and whose children are citizens or lawful permanent residents. Those people will undergo background checks and pay fees, and will receive work permits and relief from deportation from three years.

Many of the biggest beneficiaries of the order will be families of mixed documentation status, who can easily be separated under current laws. The move will also direct law enforcement to prioritize deporting criminals and preventing new border crossings.

Obama’s speech received a furious reaction from many Republicans who perceived the move as unconstitutional since only Congress has the right to write laws.

Obama said Congress’ action on immigration has been insufficient and that his move lay within the legal boundary of presidential powers. In October, the American Immigration Council pointed out 39 previous instances in which presidents have issued orders to grant undocumented immigrants relief.

Last year, the Senate passed an immigration bill that would have addressed several issues. But House Speaker John Boehner has not allowed the bill to go to a yes-no vote in the House, preventing further action.

“To those members of Congress who question my authority to make our immigration system work better, or question the wisdom of me acting where Congress has failed, I have one answer: Pass a bill,” Obama said.

Obama said the move was not an act of amnesty. “Amnesty is the immigration system we have today — millions of people who live here without paying their taxes or playing by the rules, while politicians use the issue to scare people and whip up votes at election time,” he said.

Republican leaders have considered various responses ranging from legal action to impeachment, but others in the party caution against a strong reaction.

Warm up questions

1. What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States? What rights and responsibilities does it grant you? How does a person become a citizen?
2. What does "undocumented immigrant" mean?
3. What do you think the process should be to become a United States citizen if you weren’t born here?

Critical thinking questions

1. President Obama describes his action as thus: “If you’ve with been in America more than five years. If you have children who are American citizens or illegal residents. If you register, pass a criminal background check and you’re willing to pay your fair share of taxes, you’ll be able to apply to stay in this country temporarily without fear of deportation. You can come out of the shadows and get right with the law. That’s what this deal is.” What are the risks and benefits of a deal like this? Do you think it will work? Defend your answers.
2. He also spoke about what the deal is not: “Now let’s be clear about what it isn’t. This deal does not apply to anyone who has come to this country recently. It does not apply to anyone who might come to America illegally in the future. It does not grant citizenship or the right to stay here permanently, or offer the same benefits that citizens receive. Only Congress can do that. All we’re saying is we’re not going to deport you.” Do you think this is fair? Should the president be allowed to do this? Explain your answer.