League Praises Immigration Step

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.

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

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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.