WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) tonight released the following statement in response to President Obama’s speech in which he announced plans to grant amnesty to 5 million illegal immigrants through executive action:

“President Obama’s amnesty plan flies in the face of the American people and their vote this last election cycle when the President put his policies on the ballot, including immigration. Instead of coming to the table to discuss Republicans' concerns with the immigration crisis at our southern border, the President stated tonight that he plans to take action without Congressional oversight. If the President finds a law problematic, he must work with Congress to change the law. He does not have the constitutional authority to unilaterally declare that a law should not apply to millions in America. But that is what he did tonight when he announced plans to give roughly 5 million illegal immigrants amnesty. What does this say to the millions more who are going through the proper channels, studying English and using their precious resources to become a U.S. citizen the right way? I have long supported and fought for those who dreamed about making a better life in the United States for themselves and their families through the proper, legal process, but I will continue to oppose and join efforts to prevent the President’s executive amnesty. I will also be looking to work with my colleagues in the new Congress for ways we can better to secure the border and ensure current laws are being enforced."

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