Crapo Calls on Senate Leadership to Halt Forthcoming Executive Action on Immigration

Press Release

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo, along with Senators Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), called on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid today to immediately consider legislation to block the President's foreseeable attempt to circumvent Congress to implement sweeping immigration reforms through the use of Executive Order.

Following the President's controversial September pledge to unilaterally act on immigration after the conclusion of the midterm elections, many have speculated that the likely impending executive actions may expand the Administration's 2012 order which deferred deportations for hundreds of thousands of illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. While no specifics have been shared, some observers believe the President's plan could provide legal protections and work permits to as many as five million illegal immigrants.

In the letter to Majority Leader Reid, the senators voiced concerns over the Administration's efforts to undermine the separation of powers guaranteed under the Constitution, saying in part "We write to express our alarm with President Obama's announced intention to take unilateral executive action by the end of this year to lawlessly grant amnesty to immigrants who have entered the country illegally. The Supreme Court has recognized that "over no conceivable subject is the power of Congress more complete" than its power over immigration. Therefore, President Obama will be exercising powers properly belonging to Congress…This will create a constitutional crisis that demands action by Congress to restore the separation of powers."

"Any reforms to our immigration laws must be the product of a full, transparent debate in the halls of Congress, not imposed through Administrative dictate," said Crapo. "No individual should gain any advantage or benefit toward citizenship or legal permanent resident status because of illegal entry into the United States, and I am deeply concerned about the President's intentions to selectively enforce our immigration system to achieve his desired policy agenda."

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