Rep. Peters’ Statement on President Obama’s Immigration Executive Actions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This evening, U.S. Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52) released the following statement regarding President Obama’s announcement of executive actions on our immigration system:

“The majority of Americans agree that immigration reform is long overdue, and I continue to push for the permanent fixes to come from Congress. However, it is clear that Republican leaders in the House of Representatives are unwilling to act. The Senate passed a bipartisan agreement 17 months ago that the House Republican majority refuses to give an up-or-down vote.

“Given that lack of Republican leadership, the President is taking actions within his power to direct resources more efficiently to secure the border, to stop tearing families apart, to make it easier for the best and brightest from around the world to stay here and start their job-creating ventures after they are educated in America’s universities, and to begin allowing those currently living in the shadows to come into the open so they can start the process of getting right by the law.

“Comprehensive reform and the President’s actions deserve serious debate in the House of Representatives. It is my hope that when the new Congress convenes in January there will be bipartisan, collaborative discussions to develop solutions.”

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