Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) tonight released the following statement after President Obama announced executive action on immigration. The President’s action will shield approximately five million undocumented immigrants from deportation, but will not include a path to citizenship.

“As we approach Thanksgiving, I am pleased that President Obama has followed the precedent of prior Republican and Democratic presidents by announcing a re-prioritization of deportation policies,” said Frankel. “The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will now focus on the deportation of criminals and allow millions of hardworking undocumented immigrants to raise families, pay taxes, start businesses, contribute to their communities – and live without constant, unrelenting fear of losing everything.” 

Comprehensive immigration reform passed by the Senate in June 2013 included a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, modified visas to attract workers across the world, and provided extensive resources for security along the U.S.-Mexico border. The legislation has not been brought up for a vote in the House.

###