Obama outlined a plan that will temporarily allow immigrants who are currently living in the U.S. illegally and meet certain criteria to apply for a three-year permit if they pass a background check and are willing to pay taxes.
The immigrants that qualify for this permit would have to have children who are born in the U.S. or are citizens. Obama’s action also applies to children who have been in the country for more than five years, which is an expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, commonly known as DACA.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in a statement that Obama’s actions came after what he called the House Republicans’ reluctance to drop their opposition to immigration reform.
“They’ve also refused to indicate any sort of willingness to bring up immigration reform legislation,” Earnest said. “The president has decided it’s time to move forward.”
According to Politico, Kentucky Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell said the newly Republican Senate will take forceful action against Obama’s move, but he didn’t say exactly what that action would be.
“We’re considering a variety of options,” McConnell said. “But make no mistake, when the newly elected representatives of the people take their seats, they will act.”
Earnest said Obama’s actions are consistent with executive actions take by both parties’ presidents in the past.
Christopher Schroeder, a Duke University law professor, said Obama’s decision was lawful.