WASHINGTON D.C. –U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) issued the following statement in response to President Obama’s unilateral decision to stop enforcing immigration laws pertaining to certain immigrants who are in the country illegally.

“Once again, President Obama has ignored Congress, the will of the American people and our legal system in an effort to win political points.  Serious immigration reform is long overdue, but this is not reform.  Instead it is a huge step backwards.  I intend to fight this misguided, partisan move by the President,” Boozman said.

BACKGROUND: Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today announced that effective immediately, certain young people who were brought to the United States as young children, who demonstrate that they meet certain criteria will be eligible to receive deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and will be eligible to apply for work authorization.  The Administration did not consult with Congress before unilaterally making this major change to America’s immigration policy.