Ellison applauds President’s Immigration Action

MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 20, 2014) — U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-5) released the following statement tonight after President Obama laid out his plan for taking executive action on immigration in a speech to the nation.

“The action President Obama described tonight will bring relief to millions who live in fear of the knock at the door that could change everything. He joins President Ronald Reagan and President George H.W. Bush in taking executive action to keep families together.

“It’s been more than 500 days since the Senate passed a comprehensive immigration reform bill that creates jobs and cuts the deficit, while bringing 11 million people already contributing to our communities out of the shadows. Families shouldn’t be torn apart because House Republicans refuse to act to fix our broken immigration system.

“Politics too often stands in the way of what is right. The president’s action is a first step towards fixing an immigration system that is inhumane and cruel. I proudly stand with President Obama and the millions of people who will be helped by his leadership.”