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March 17, 2014

Obama Orders "More Humane" Deportation Procedures Amidst Political Pressure 
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President Obama has pledged to modify his enforcement of immigration
laws following a wave of protests against record deportations. The
number of undocumented immigrants sent abroad under Obama's watch is set
to reach two million. At a White House meeting on Friday, Obama told
immigration activists he would direct the Department of Homeland
Security to help find an approach that acts "more humanely." The changes
reportedly include halting deportations for most people never convicted
of crimes, and focusing on those with criminal records or who are deemed
a danger to public safety. Obama has long maintained he has done all he
can on immigration reform within the confines of the law, and that
Congress will have to overcome Republican obstruction in order to bring
additional change. But the White House apparently changed its mind after
a flood of criticism in recent weeks that brought Obama the moniker of
"deporter-in-chief." Top Democrats have also started pressuring Obama
amidst concern Latino voters will stay home in the coming midterm
elections.

 

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