Members respond to Obama’s immigration action

In an address to the nation tonight, President Barack Obama laid out his strategy for immigration action. The president’s plan includes providing border law enforcement with additional resources to “stem the flow of illegal crossings, and speed the return of those who do cross over,” make it easier for “high-skilled immigrants, graduates, and entrepreneurs to stay and contribute to our economy,” and allow immigrants who have stayed in the U.S. for more than five years, those whose children are legal citizens or residents, to apply to stay in this country temporarily “without fear of deportation” after registering and passing a criminal background check.

The president reminded that these actions “are not only lawful, they’re the kinds of actions taken by every single Republican President and every single Democratic President for the past half century.”

Members of the Republican and Democratic parties responded to the president’s actions:

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ):

“The President’s unilateral action announced today fails to address the root causes of the dysfunction in our immigration system … I believe that we Republicans must remain committed to advancing the broad, common-sense conservative agenda we share, and prove to the American people we can legislate solutions and govern effectively.”

House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi:

“The President’s actions fall well within the clear constitutional and legal authority of his office, and the well-established precedent set by every president since Eisenhower. Even Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush used this authority to refine our immigration system in service of the national interest.”

House Speaker John Boehner:

“[Obama’s] ‘my way or the highway’ approach makes it harder to build the trust with the American people that is necessary to get things done on behalf of the country. Republicans are left with the serious responsibility of upholding our oath of office. We will not shrink from this duty, because our allegiance lies with the American people.”

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA):

“In June 2013, I was proud to cast my vote in support of bipartisan legislation that would take major steps to fix our broken immigration system. After nearly a year and a half of inaction from the House, I support President Obama’s decision to take action within his executive authority to address some of the problems our bipartisan Senate bill set out to fix – including much-needed improvements to border security, updates to our visa system and additional relief for families who live in the shadows but want to play by the rules by paying taxes and submitting to criminal background checks.”

Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV):

“Today’s immigration announcement is great news for families in Nevada and across the country. Millions of families in our nation and thousands in Nevada will no longer have to live in fear of losing a loved one to deportation. The President’s executive action will not only keep families together, it will enforce our immigration laws in a way that protects our national security and public safety. It will strengthen our economy by creating new jobs and allowing these families to fully contribute to the only country they call home.”

Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO):

“For too long, Colorado’s immigrant families have waited for the U.S. House of Representatives to follow the U.S. Senate’s bipartisan example and act on immigration reform. For months, the House refused to act — while millions of families were torn apart. I am proud the president has finally heeded my calls and acted.”