Executive Action and Immigration Policy

President Obama announced a significant change in U.S. immigration policy, offering work permits and halting deportations for up to 5 million unauthorized immigrants who are parents of U.S. citizens or legal residents. This move, while within executive powers, has faced criticism from Republicans as an overreach. The action does not solve all immigration issues, leaving out many unauthorized immigrants and not addressing green card wait times. The responsibility for comprehensive reform lies with Congress, particularly the Republican Party, which has historically blocked such efforts.

What was the main focus of President Obama's immigration policy announcement?

• Issuing work permits and halting deportations for certain unauthorized immigrants

• Deporting all unauthorized immigrants

• Granting citizenship to all immigrants

• Increasing border security

Who are the 'DREAMers' mentioned in the policy?

• Immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for over 10 years

• Unauthorized immigrants brought to the U.S. as minors

• Legal immigrants seeking citizenship

• Tourists overstaying their visas

What is a significant aspect of the executive action taken by President Obama?

• It was unanimously supported by Congress

• It focuses solely on border security

• It grants citizenship to all unauthorized immigrants

• It is the first time a president has used executive power to exempt a large group of individuals

What criticism did the executive action face?

• It was not ambitious enough

• It was seen as presidential over-reach

• It was too lenient on border security

• It did not address economic issues

What is one limitation of the executive action on immigration?

• It does not cover all unauthorized immigrants

• It increases the wait time for green cards

• It raises quotas for highly-skilled immigrants

• It guarantees permanent residency for all

What uncertainty remains for those eligible under the executive action?

• If they will receive immediate citizenship

• If they will be deported immediately

• Whether they will receive financial aid

• Whether they will be allowed to stay permanently

What has the president not addressed in the legal immigration system?

• Increasing border patrols

• Reducing long waits for green cards

• Providing free legal aid

• Offering immediate citizenship

Who blocked immigration reform legislation during George W. Bush's second term?

• The Democratic Party

• The Republican Party

• Independent Senators

• The Supreme Court

What happened to the comprehensive immigration bill passed by the Senate in 2013?

• It was rejected by the Senate

• It was vetoed by the president

• It was signed into law

• It was not voted on by the House

What choice do Republicans face regarding the president's action?

• Focus solely on border security

• Support the action unconditionally

• Ignore the action completely

• Fight the action or create their own immigration bill