Georgia’s U.S. senators join amicus brief on immigration case

WASHINGTON — Both of Georgia’s U.S. senators have joined in an amicus brief supporting 26 states, including Georgia, in the Obama administration’s appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court of a federal appeals court ruling last year that has halted the administration’s 2014 executive action to defer deportation of about 5 million undocumented immigrants.

The states challenged the action in federal court in Texas, where the judge held up implementation of the orders. The nation’s highest court has taken up the administration’s appeal of the court ruling, which was upheld in 2015 by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Under the executive orders, some of those deferrals would be from an expansion of the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, but the lion’s share would be people would be covered by a new program for the undocumented parents of U.S. citizens or legal permanent U.S. residents. In the latter category, the covered individuals would have to have been in the United States for at least five years.

Under the plan, each deferral would be good for three years (DACA deferrals are currently for two years) and would authorize the individual to work in the U.S. in each deferral period granted. Those covered by the act also would have to register for and pass criminal background checks and pay taxes and penalties.

The administration says that unauthorized immigrants who were felons would be deported, and that those who were seen as threats to national security and public safety would be deportation priorities. The orders also would crack down on businesses that hire illegal immigrants.

Critics contend the orders are an overreach of the authority of the executive branch of the federal government that grants legal status to illegal immigrants.

“President Obama’s attempt to circumvent Congress by executive order and grant legal status to millions is unconstitutional and unacceptable,” Sen. Johnny Isakson said. “I have fought against this unlawful proposal from day one and will continue to use any and all options to stop the president from implementing his unconstitutional executive amnesty. If Congress must use the courts to force the president to follow the laws he has sworn to uphold, then so be it.”

“Over the past seven years,” Sen. David Perdue said, “we have seen President Obama abuse his authority and act unilaterally to change our country’s immigration laws. It is time for this to stop. I applaud Georgia and a majority of states for coming together to stand up against President Obama’s unconstitutional executive amnesty.

“As we have seen, there are real national security risks associated with illegal immigration, sanctuary cities, and executive amnesty, and I promised Georgians I will fight on their behalf against this lawlessness. I will not rest until we secure our border and restore the rule of law to our country.”

In all, 43 Republican U.S. senators joined the amicus brief.