Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson has been meeting with immigration reform stakeholders the past couple of days, including a Thursday sit-down with Chicago officials.
Johnson met with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Congressman Luis Gutierrez in D.C. yesterday “to discuss a wide range of immigration issues, including the Secretary’s ongoing review to assess how the Department of Homeland Security can better enforce and administer immigration laws,” according to the Department of Homeland Security.
“During the meeting, Secretary Johnson underscored the importance of Congressional action to pass commonsense immigration reform– which will offer the best solution to fix our broken immigration system and will strengthen both our security and our economy,” the statement continued. “The Secretary also noted the commitment he shares with President Obama to enforcing and administering our immigration laws effectively and sensibly, in line with the values of our Nation.”
Immigration reform advocates and opponents alike have been wondering if Obama’s “year of action” executive orders will include some sort of deferred enforcement for adults similar to what he did with young people when Congress didn’t pass the DREAM Act.
“As part of the ongoing review, Secretary Johnson continues to engage with stakeholders and members of Congress who represent all sides of the immigration debate. In addition, Secretary Johnson continues to solicit the input of his team at DHS, including component leadership and employees on the front lines who are responsible for implementing the Department’s policies and enforcement priorities,” DHS said.
On Wednesday, Johnson held “a series of meetings to discuss a wide range of immigration issues, including the need for commonsense immigration reform” with stakeholders at the department’s headquarters.
Groups represented included Numbers USA, Progressives for Immigration Reform, the Center for Immigration Studies, the Federation for American Immigration Reform, the Eagle Forum, United We Dream and members of the National Sheriff’s Association.
“These meetings are part of the thorough and inclusive review process Secretary Johnson is undertaking to assess how the Department can better enforce and administer immigration laws,” DHS said. “…Since taking office, the Secretary has made clear that he shares the President’s commitment of enforcing and administering our immigration laws effectively and sensibly, in line with our Nation’s values.”
“A majority of Americans want immigration reform,” Obama said last night at a Democratic National Committee reception in San Jose. “So what’s the problem?”
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