Two League members at an ERA rally in DC
Urge President Biden to Publish the Equal Rights Amendment With just months left in office, we are urging President Biden to act to ensure that the ERA is published.
Image of a young John Lewis behind a microphone
Support the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act Tell Congress to protect the freedom to vote.
Protestor holding a sign that says "There's no planet B"
Urge Congress to Address the Climate Crisis Ask your representatives to address climate change and protect our youths' futures! 
A young Pennsylvanian registering to vote at a LWV event
Show Your Support Advocate for Voting Rights
View All Action Alerts
Register to vote
Register to vote - get started now at VOTE411.org
View All Action Alerts
By: LWV Staff

League Praises Immigration Step

Press Release / Last Updated:

LEAGUE PRAISES IMMIGRATION STEP

Support for Family-Focused Executive Order

Washington, D.C. – The League of Women Voters of the U.S. reacted to today’s announcement by President Obama that he is using his executive authority to limit deportation of many undocumented immigrants.

“President Obama’s executive order is a good and important step toward a realistic and humane immigration policy for the United States,” said Elisabeth MacNamara, President of the League of Women Voters of the U.S.

“The order focuses mainly on families – keeping them together rather than breaking them up through unnecessary deportation,” MacNamara said. “The League has exhaustively studied this issue and agrees that deportation is not appropriate for unauthorized immigrants who have no history of criminal activity.” The League believes that immigration policy should focus on meeting the economic, business and employment needs of the U.S. and promoting reunification of immediate families.  

“Congress still must act on a comprehensive immigration policy,” added MacNamara. “The President’s executive action, while a good start, is just a temporary first step. Congress needs to stop pointing fingers and get to work on this vital issue. Congress should face reality and act humanely in the long run best interests our nation.”

“The President’s action is a positive step forward on immigration policy because it is a humanitarian effort aimed at families, but more needs to be done,” concluded MacNamara.

 ###

Contact: Kelly Ceballos, 202-263-1331, [email protected].

“Like” the League on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter: @LWV.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

 

Related Content

LWVUS Submits Comments to USCIS Opposing Immigration Application Fee Increases

LWVUS submitted public comment to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on the proposed rule to adjust certain immigration and naturalization benefit request fees. The League opposed increases in immigration application fees, articulating the impact it will have on immigrants' ability to reunite and stay with family members abroad, live and work permanently in the US, and attain US citizenship.

 

Letters /
LWVUS Urges Congress to Protect Dreamers

Senate and House leadership announced that protecting Dreamers is a high priority in the remaining time of the 117th Congress, leading the League to urge Congress to follow through and pass a bill. People who are protected by DACA, their families, and their communities deserve the peace of mind to build their lives and futures in the United States. 

Letters /
LWVUS Urges the US Department of Health and Human Services to Allow DACA Recipients to Enroll in Health Insurance Programs

The League signed onto a letter to Secretary Becerra of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), urging HHS to allow recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to enroll in health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicaid. 

Letters /

Donate to support our work

to empower voters and defend democracy.