Rep. McNerney's Statement on the President’s Actions to Address Our Broken Immigration System

Washington, D.C. –   Congressman Jerry McNerney (CA-09) today issued the following statement in response to the President’s speech yesterday announcing that he will take executive action to overhaul our immigration system:

“President Obama’s announced policy on immigration is long overdue. This President has waited and waited for the House of Representatives to take action on a very broken immigration system. The Senate passed an immigration bill in 2013 that, although imperfect, laid the foundation for fixing the system. Unfortunately, the Republican House leadership not only refused to take this issue to the House floor despite the fact that it would have passed, but they politicized the issue for partisan gain.

Americans need strong leadership in a complicated and dangerous world. President Obama has often shied away from confrontations with Republicans in the hope that they would come to the table and find common ground. This time, our President has taken a strong stand. The President’s policy is both responsible and compassionate. Americans who believe that immigrants actually help strengthen our nation and believe that families should not be ripped apart should rally around our President and support his policy. Meanwhile, I challenge the Republican leadership in Washington to act in our nation’s interest and pass an immigration bill instead of fueling the flames of bitter partisanship.”