Backing off from a pledge to issue an executive order on immigration reform shortly after the end of summer, President Obama has delayed any action until after the November midterm elections, reports the New York Times.
The delay is an acknowledgment of concerns by some in the Senate that the issue is too controversial going into an election.
“Because of the Republicans’ extreme politicization of this issue, the president believes it would be harmful to the policy itself and to the long-term prospects for comprehensive immigration reform to announce administrative action before the elections,” a White House official said. “Because he wants to do this in a way that’s sustainable, the president will take action on immigration before the end of the year.”
The group United We Dream called for a town hall tonight at 8 Eastern Time in hopes of pressuring the President to reverse his decision. It is asking people who wish to participate to use the hashtag #NoMoreDelays.
You can read more about how the President decision is expected to frustrate immigration advocates and why the President agreed to the delay in the New York Times.
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