Sunday, November 16, 2014

Precedent for presidential action on immigration

Republicans have got their knickers in a knot over President Obama's determination to use his executive powers to delay the deportation of undocumented immigrants.   His point is that Congress has had ample opportunity to act on the issue, and he is not going to wait while they continue to do nothing.   He urges the House to pass the bipartisan bill already passed by the Senate.   

Rep. Steve King (R-IA) is livid.  "The audacity of this president to think he can completely destroy the rule of law with the stroke of a pen is unfathomable to me.   It is unconstitutional, it is cynical, and it violates the will of the American people."

Steve King is not known for his restraint -- or for his accuracy.   The American people do in fact support immigration reform, including just the sort of result that the president aims for.

Let it be known now that Steve King is not known for his knowledge of history either.

Both Presidents Ronald Reagen and George H. W. Bush used executive power to prevent deportations when Congress failed to act.

Ralph

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