Congressman Al Green Calls for Reform of Our Immigration System and Relief for Millions of Families

(Washington, DC)—On November 13, 2014, Congressman Al Green (TX-09), along with other House Democrats led by Congressman Luis Gutierrez (IL-04), called on President Obama to provide relief for millions of families and meaningfully reform our immigration system.

Congressman Al Green indicated that “Leading with an executive order on a major issue such as immigration reform by President Obama is far from unprecedented. We need only look at the actions of some of President Obama’s predecessors, which are not exactly the same but also involved human rights.”

“President Lincoln led with an executive order when he signed the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War, and there was much to be said about it at the time. However, it led to the enactment of the Thirteenth Amendment which freed the slaves. When President Truman signed the order desegregating the military, it gave rise to the Dixiecrats; and although much was said, it, along with other actions, led to the desegregation of America. If President Lincoln could produce the Emancipation Proclamation by executive order; if President Truman could produce the desegregation of the military by executive order; surely, President Obama can produce an ‘Immigration Declaration’ by executive order. And although much will be said, I don’t think God will be angry with President Obama,” Congressman Al Green said.

Congressman Al Green, along with 115 other House Democrats, sent a letter to President Obama on Thursday, November 13, 2014 asking the President to take “bold and meaningful executive action” on immigration.