Obama acts wisely on immigration

Raul Reyes, Member – USA Today Board of Contributors, gives us the outline of President Obama’s executive action on immigration in his article: “President’s executive action represents sound, thoughtful policy” – November 20, 2014 – USA Today.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/11/20/obama-immigration-raul-reyes/70037974/

“His plan expands the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, and creates a new program for undocumented parents with citizen children. The president said that his administration’s deportation priorities will be “felons, not families,” and “criminals, not children.”’

“The president’s plan is a significant step that will provide relief for millions of undocumented immigrants.”

“The president’s plan will ease the requirements for young people to be eligible for Deferred Action. These are immigrants who have been educated here at taxpayer expense, and can now attend college, serve in the military or work without fear of deportation.”

“It will also free up law enforcement resources to focus on traffickers, drug dealers and terrorist threats.”

“It’s worth noting that the president’s plan will not offer any incentive for people to enter the U.S. illegally. In fact, recent arrivals will be prioritized for deportation, sending the message to other countries that we do not have “open borders” or “amnesty.”’

“President Obama is offering undocumented immigrants historic, compassionate relief from deportation. Until Congress decides to act, this represents a move towards a more consistent immigration system. His executive action is welcome and necessary.”

Raul Reyes is an attorney in New York and a member of USA TODAY’s Board of Contributors.

Read the article: http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2014/11/20/obama-immigration-raul-reyes/70037974/