WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Sam Graves made the following statement after voting in favor of H.R. 240, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, which stops President Obama’s executive amnesty order.

“The American people spoke loud and clear this past November in opposition to the President’s executive amnesty,” said Rep. Graves. “Today, the House took action to fully defund the President’s executive order on immigration,” he continued. “The President’s actions not only reward those who cheated the system and punish those who went through the legal immigration process, but are also a blatant disregard for the constitution.”

“We are a nation of laws and no one is above the rule of law – not even the President. The President should enforce the laws currently on the books and work with Congress to strengthen the defense of our borders.”

BACKGROUND

On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people, who came to the United States as children illegally, may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization.

On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced a series of additional unilateral actions on immigration, including the unilateral creation of a program to suspend removal of approximately four million individuals unlawfully present in the U.S.

BILL HIGHLIGHTS

Prohibits any federal funds or resources from being used to process any new application for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA) issued in 2012, which had allowed minors living in the United States illegally to remain in this country
Reverses the President’s directions to government lawyers to not pursue deportations against those who have broken our immigration laws
Prohibits illegal aliens from receiving any federal benefits based on President Obama’s unlawful action
Supports the largest border presence in our nation’s history, and increases funding for those risking their lives defending our borders
Increases funds to allow ICE to fulfil its obligation to pursue and detain those living illegally in America
Fully funds the E-Verify program, which has proven effective in preventing employers from hiring illegal immigrants
Requires DHS to submit comprehensive spending plans to Congress to increase transparency and oversight over taxpayer dollars