NEWPORT, Wales: US President Barack Obama said yesterday he would soon announce his plan to address US immigration reform, but sidestepped questions about whether he would wait until after November midterm elections to take action.
Polls show Americans are concerned about the impact undocumented immigrants have on the nation, and Democrats nervous about keeping control of the Senate have urged the White House to hold off on changes until after the elections.
Speaking at a Nato summit in Wales, Obama said he has received some recommendations from Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Attorney General Eric Holder on measures he can take without congressional approval.
“I suspect that on my flight back, this will be part of my reading, taking a look at some of the specifics that we’ve looked at, and I’ll be making an announcement soon,” Obama told reporters at a press conference.
Obama first emphasized more enforcement for illegal immigration was needed, and reiterated that he wished House Republicans would have passed legislation to reform the system.
“In the absence of congressional action, I intend to take action, to make sure that we’re putting more resources on the border, that we’re upgrading how we process these cases, and that we find a way to encourage legal immigration,” Obama said.
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