Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush both took bold “executive action” on immigration

Congressional Republicans are outraged that President Obama may take “executive action” on immigration reform after the mid-term elections—perhaps by deferring deportations and providing work authorization to millions of unauthorized immigrants with strong family ties to the United States. However, past Republican presidents have not been shy to use the White House’s power to retool immigration policy.  In fact, Obama could learn a lot from presidents Ronald Reagan’s and George H. W. Bush’s executive actions to preserve the unity of immigrant families, and move past Congressional refusal to enact immigration reform.  Here is an article from “The Hill,” explaining why Obama is no different in wanting to take executive action.

President Barack Obama postponed executive action on immigration, but Democrats want voters to know the delay isn’t his fault. Blame Republicans instead, according to the latest Democratic latest talking points. Obama had weighed action on immigration — including moves that could allow a path to legal status for millions of undocumented workers — after congressional action on the issue stalled.

The President took the brunt of criticism immediately after the White House announced Saturday he is delaying any unitary action on immigration until after November’s midterm elections. He faced accusations of betrayal, bitter disappointment and frustration. And those are from the President’s allies — Democrats and immigration reform proponents who lead communities that voted overwhelmingly for Obama in 2008 and 2012.