An increasing number of officials from American cities are urging the Texas judge who slapped an injunction on President Obama’s executive order on immigration reform, temporarily preventing it from being implemented, to reconsider his decision. These officials claim that local government is experiencing “significant harms” as a result of the delay.
Over 70 state representatives and mayors from across the United States have put their signatures to Cities United for Immigration Action, which is being spearheaded by Bill de Blasio, the mayor of New York, and Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles. The mayors have been busy pointing out the benefits of immigration reform for cities, including Obama’s deferred action programs.
“Continuing to delay implementation of the president’s executive action on immigration hurts our economy and puts families at risk,” de Blasio noted in an emailed statement yesterday. The group’s brief, which was also filed yesterday, indicates that the advantages offered by immigration reform include increased local tax revenue, improved public safety, and increased job creation. “Our cities are united, and we will fight for the immigration reform this nation needs and deserves – whether in the courtroom, in Congress, or in our communities. Make no mistake about it: our voices will be heard,” the statement continues.
It was last November when the president used executive action to try to implement immigration reform and bypass Congress, with this action roundly condemned by the Republican Party.