Homeland Security chief Jeh Johnson on Tuesday defended the Obama administration's executive action to grant deportation relief to some undocumented immigrants as "simple common sense," even as GOP lawmakers pilloried the policy as a dangerous power grab.
"The reality is that, given our limited resources, these people are not -- and have not been for years -- prioritizes for removal," Johnson said in testimony to the House Homeland Security Committee. "It's time we acknowledge that and encourage them to be held accountable. This is simple common sense."
But, while Republicans emphasized that immigration reform is an important issue that must be addressed, GOP lawmakers decried the president's action as dangerous and damaging to the balance of power in Washington.
"There's a right way to do this, and there's a wrong way," said committee chairman Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas in his opening remarks. "And unfortunately, the president has done it the wrong way."
McCaul also contended that the announcement itself could cause a surge in illegal immigration. Johnson countered that specific targeting of undocumented immigrants who have recently entered the country illegally will curb any spike.
The executive action announced by President Barack Obama last month would relieve millions of undocumented immigrants - including the parents of U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident children - from the threat of deportation. To become eligible for a three-year renewable relief period and work authorization, those parents will have to register, submit biometric data, pass background checks and pay fees.
In a speech announcing the decision, Obama said that the federal government would refocus resources to prioritize the deportation of those undocumented immigrants who are threats to the nation's security. "Felons, not families. Criminals, not children," he said.
The clash over immigration has roiled Capitol Hill and may have complicated lawmakers' efforts to pass a bill to fund the federal government beyond a December 11 deadline.
Also on the Hill Tuesday, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing entitled "President Obama's Executive Overreach on Immigration."
- Carrie Dann
First published December 2 2014, 6:29 AM
Source: Top Stories - Google News - http://ift.tt/1yeN5vL
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