Los Angeles Times
By Brian Bennett and Lisa Mascaro
April 9, 2014
WASHINGTON
— After meeting with Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, leaders
of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus voiced confidence Wednesday that if
the Republican-led
House fails to undertake immigration reform this year, the
administration will act by executive action.
Last
month, President Obama promised Latino leaders that his administration
would review its deportation policy and enforce laws "more humanely."
Under Obama, deportations
hit the 2-million mark, often separating families.
Johnson
arrived for the morning meeting at the Capitol with a file full of
potential immigration law changes. Latino leaders also presented their
own six-page proposal
of reforms, including a halt to deportations of many of the estimated
11 million immigrants who would have qualified for legal status by
paying fines and learning English under a bipartisan Senate bill that
has stalled in the House.
An hour later, the lawmakers left saying that their concerns were understood.
Rep.
Raul Hinojosa (R-Texas), the chairman of the caucus, said Johnson
"assured us he is thoroughly reviewing the department's enforcement
policies. He understands the
impact these laws have on families."
The
meeting comes as protesters have been camped in front of the White
House and fasting on the National Mall all week, hoping to prod House
Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio.)
to act.
Republicans
have resisted immigration reform, even as party leaders, including
potential presidential contender Jeb Bush, have urged the party to
soften its tone.
Any move by the White House to take executive action could complicate matters.
On
the one hand, the threat of administrative action could push
Republicans to join the debate. But if the administration goes it alone,
that would probably dash any hopes
for legislative compromise because it would anger Republicans.
Already,
the White House has used it executive authority to temporarily halt the
deportations of the so-called dreamers, young people brought the
country illegally as
children.
No
administrative action is expected until later this year. Rep. Jeff
Denham (R-Turlock), who is trying to push his colleagues with a proposal
to allow immigrants here
illegally to enlist in the military and gain legal status, urged
caution by the White House — even though his bill ran into resistance
from GOP hardliners.
"The more executive orders this president does, the more difficult it is," Denham said.
For more information, go to: www.beverlyhillsimmigrationlaw.com
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