WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Bill Shuster (R-Hollidaysburg) released the following statement on President Obama’s announcement regarding executive action he intends to take on immigration:

“President Obama has turned his back on the American people and the laws that hold our nation together. This politically motivated move is not only wrong – but it will significantly worsen our broken immigration system by unilaterally permitting millions here illegally to be rewarded for breaking the law. Instead of working with the legislative branch in securing our borders and fixing the system, the president has instead decided to act alone and continue his disturbing pattern of executive overreach against the wishes of the people he serves.”

“Amnesty is not the solution to any of the problems with our immigration system, and that is why I have consistently said that I will oppose any measure that grants amnesty to illegal immigrants. It serves only to create a new incentive for people to break our laws and enter our country illegally, which makes the problem even worse. The very first thing that needs to happen is immediate action to secure the border, and show that we can stem the influx of people entering this country in violation of our laws.”

“President Obama, however, has shown time and time again that he is not serious about securing the border. Upon discovering that he could not get support from Congress for his executive amnesty, he once again decided to act independently. This contemptuous disregard for the will of the American people is exactly why I voted to file a lawsuit against President Obama for circumventing the Legislative Branch and ignoring the processes that are core parts of our democracy. I remain committed to working in Congress to pass legislation that secures our border, prevents amnesty, and enforces the laws of the nation."

###