Barack Obama on Immigration
Barack Obama has long maintained a position favoring comprehensive immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants already in the United States, while also strengthening border security measures.
He believed that legislative action was the necessary path forward, but after Congress failed to pass major reform, his administration implemented executive actions to prioritize enforcement and provide relief to certain populations.
Key among these actions was the establishment of programs like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and later DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents), illustrating a commitment to using executive authority to address the status of long-term residents.
Context
As President, Barack Obama inherited a complex and politically charged issue regarding undocumented immigration, border control, and the legal status of millions residing in the U.S. His administration’s approach sought to balance humanitarian concerns and economic realities with national security imperatives.
His history as a civil rights attorney and his experience in the Illinois Senate provided a foundation for viewing immigration through a lens of systemic fairness and legal structure, influencing his call for comprehensive legislative solutions.
Actions Taken
- Enforcement PolicyLaunched the Priority Enforcement Program (PEP), an immigration enforcement program that had been pioneered by the preceding administration, to better focus enforcement resources.
- Enforcement TechnologyEstablished the Secure Communities program, which shared fingerprints and immigration status data between federal and local law enforcement agencies.
- Announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy, granting temporary deportation relief and work authorization to young undocumented immigrants who arrived as children.
- Announced Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), though this was ultimately blocked by court challenges before full implementation.
Criticism
Criticized the Obama administration for its increased deportations during the early years of his presidency, sometimes referring to him as the 'Deporter-in-Chief'.
Challenged the legality and scope of his executive actions, particularly DACA and DAPA, arguing that he was overstepping his constitutional authority.
Sources5
Priority Enforcement Program (PEP)
Obama: A promised land
Obama defends DACA, resists pressure to expand protections
President Obama's Remarks on Comprehensive Immigration Reform
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.