CHC ON PRESIDENT'S IMMIGRATION ANNOUNCEMENT

Washington, DC- Today, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chairman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) released the following statement following President Barack Obama's immigration announcement:

"President Barack Obama is right: our country cannot wait forever for immigration reform and action on this issue is urgently needed. The CHC has long advocated for the use of executive action to bring immigrants out of the shadows, reunite families and strengthen our economy. Ultimately, though, we know that the President is limited by what he can do, and that the only way to institute a long-term, permanent fix to our nation's broken immigration system is through legislative measures enacted by Congress.

Immigration reform has long been held hostage by House Republicans and we cannot let them get away with this inaction. The American people overwhelmingly support comprehensive immigration reform and leaders from every sector of our country – from business to the faith community – agree the time for excuses has expired and something must be done now. House Republicans have ignored the calls for action, preferring instead to sit idly as families are separated and businesses suffer. The CHC will not stop fighting for reform and neither should the American people. We must continue to demand that House Republicans listen to the American public and allow a vote on this issue.

Comprehensive immigration reform is a moral imperative, and it is crucial that a solution is brought forth, and voted into law. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus is optimistic that the President and his Administration will provide reasonable solutions to fix our broken immigration system in the weeks and months ahead. We will continue to work with the White House and anyone – Democrat or Republican – willing to put politics aside in order to solve one of our nation's most pressing problems."