THE Republican-controlled House approved legislation on Wednesday, Jan. 14 to overturn an executive order issued by President Barack Obama that would shield about 5 million undocumented immigrants from deportation.
The House voted 236-191 to pass the bill, which also includes a provision that allocates $39.7 billion to the Department of Homeland Security for the remainder of the budget year, something both parties agree is necessary to address cybersecurity and fund counterterrorism, among other priorities.
Another amendment eliminates a program Obama rolled out in 2012 that has provided work permits and delayed deportations for more than 600,000 immigrants who entered the United States illegally before the age of 16. This portion passed with a 218-209 vote, with 26 more moderate Republicans, some of whom represent large Hispanic populations, joining Democrats in opposition.
Republicans say Obama’s executive action, announced last November, was unconstitutional and left them no choice.
“We do not take this action lightly, but simply there is no alternative,” said House Speaker John Boehner. “It’s not a dispute between the parties or even between the branches of our government. This executive overreach is an affront to the rule of law and to the Constitution itself.”
However, others in Republican Party said the Homeland Security bill should not be bait for the debate on immigration. Some centrist Republicans are also frustrated that conservatives are pushing leaders toward voting to undo the 2012 policy dealing with “Dreamers.”
“If we were just specifically dealing with the November overreach of the president, you’d have Democrats who’d be voting with us on that piece of it but we’ve gone well beyond that,” said Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.), according to the Associated Press. “We’re passing a bill for political reasons, a bill that has no ability to pass the Senate.”
The bill approved on Wednesday would also end the Obama administration’s prioritization of deporting certain illegal criminals instead of others, an issue that has not been scrutinized as much as deferred deportation. The president’s policy prioritizes national security threats, gang members, individuals suspected of terrorism, those convicted of felonies or aggravated felonies, and those caught at the border.
Supporters say this is a good way to use limited resources, but those against it are not in favor of the assurance that undocumented immigrants who don’t fall under those categories will not be deported.
Immigrant advocates have warned Republicans that they risk losing Latino voters, who will be critical in the 2016 presidential election.
“Shame on Republicans for attacking the Latino community,” said Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), according to the Associated Press. “Republicans are consciously targeting millions of families who work hard, contribute to our communities and are just trying to give their children a chance at the American dream.”
Obama has threatened to veto the House bill, which is now off to the Senate where it needs a 60-vote majority to advance. But because Republicans only hold 54 seats in this chamber, the fate of the bill remains uncertain.
(With reports from Associated Press, Fox News and The Wall Street Journal)
(www.asianjournal.com)
(LA Weekend January 17-20, 2015 Sec. A pg.1)
