Miami immigration attorneys are all abuzz. White House administration officials who have direct knowledge of the plan have indicated that as soon as next week, President Obama will sign an executive order to enforce a broad overhaul of the nation’s immigration enforcement system that will protect up to five million undocumented immigrants from the threat of deportation and provide many of them with work permits.
Key features of the executive order are expected to include the following:
- Many parents of children who are American citizens or legal residents will be allowed to obtain legal work documents and no longer worry about being discovered or separated from their families;
- Expand opportunities for immigrants who have high-tech skills
- Shift extra security resources to the southern border of the United States
- Revamp an immigration enforcement program called Secure Communities
- Provide clearer guidance to the agencies that enforce immigration laws about who should be a low priority for deportation, especially those with strong family ties and no serious criminal history
White House administration have indicated that deportations should still proceed for convicted criminals, foreigners who pose national security risks and recent border crossers.
Many pro-immigration groups and advocates — as well as the Hispanic voters who could be crucial for Democrats’ hopes of winning the White House in 2016 — are expecting bold action, having grown increasingly frustrated after watching a sweeping bipartisan immigration bill fall prey to a gridlocked Congress last year.
As a champion for immigration reform, I have personally felt frustration at Congress’ inability to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill. As such, news of President Obama’s impending executive order is welcome, timely, and necessary.
For more information on immigration reform, please contact Miami immigration attorney Michael G. Murray, Esq. at (305)895-2500 or visit our website at www. mmurraylaw.com