Civil and Human Rights Coalition Praises Announcement of Executive Action on Immigration

Washington – Wade Henderson, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement in advance of President Obama’s announcement of executive action on immigration:

“Tonight’s announcement by President Obama is a tremendous victory for all Americans who support human rights, basic fairness, and simple common sense. We are deeply grateful to President Obama for doing as much as he can, under the law, to help millions of people who are working hard to make our country a better place.

President Obama’s administrative reforms will bring millions of immigrants out of the shadows of society and into the bright sunshine of human rights. What he is doing is consistent with our most fundamental constitutional principles and the most fundamental values we share as a nation. It makes no sense to tear parents away from their children when they are willing to work hard, contribute to their families, and strengthen our communities.

The House of Representatives has wasted more than a year stalling, making excuses, and shifting the blame for its failure to close the deal on immigration reform, making this announcement the only reasonable way for President Obama to respond. If the Republican leadership decides to govern, rather than threaten naked retaliation, we are sure that he will be willing to work with them on more comprehensive and lasting solutions to the problems that plague our national immigration system.”

Wade Henderson is the president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 200 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its 200-plus member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.