Arkansas' congressional delegation on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

by Eric Besson | February 13, 2017 at 4:30 a.m.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette emailed the spokesmen of all six members of Arkansas' congressional delegation, asking how they want President Donald Trump to handle Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Immigration shift tense for 'dreamers' deferred

The executive order, signed by President Barack Obama in June 2012, grants two-year work permits and deferred status to immigrants who arrived before their 16th birthdays and before June 2007, if they meet educational requirements and pass criminal background checks.

The same question was emailed to every spokesman:

"President Trump told ABC News on [Jan. 25] that he would decide how to handle President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals executive action [by late February]. What action(s) would [the congressman or senator] like Trump to take on DACA?"

Three of the state's six Republican lawmakers responded.

Sen. John Boozman:

"President Obama's executive amnesty was an overreach of his Constitutional powers," Boozman said. "The president does not have the authority to pick and choose what laws get enforced in the name of 'reform.' The path to true immigration reform is to work with Congress, but no immigration reform policies we pass will be effective until we secure the border. This requires sufficient resources, surveillance technology and manpower necessary to ensure that individuals crossing our borders are doing so legally."

Rep. Steve Womack,3rd District:

"We are a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws, and Congressman Womack believes in order to reform our immigration system, we must create policies that encourage lawful behavior and ensure that it works for people who come to the U.S. the right way," Womack spokesman Claire Burghoff said.

Rep. Bruce Westerman, 4th District:

"Our nation is one of laws," Westerman spokesman Ryan Saylor said. "Congressman Westerman believes we must enforce our laws and uphold the Constitution. He has faith in President Trump's ability to work with Congress to find a permanent solution to stop the flow of illegal immigration."

The Democrat-Gazette did not receive responses from Sen. Tom Cotton, or from Reps. Rick Crawford of the 1st District and French Hill of the 2nd District.

-- Eric Besson

A Section on 02/13/2017

Print Headline: Arkansas' congressional delegation on DACA

Sponsor Content

Archived Comments

TimberTopper
February 13, 2017 at 8:07 a.m.

LOL! Then since they all seem to agree we need to have immigration law re-done why the hell haven't they done something about it in the last 6 years that they've had control of the house and about 4 years of the senate. OH! I'll bet it was because they've been working on building that wall!

Permalink Report Post
Skeptic1
February 13, 2017 at 8:22 a.m.

Timbertopper.....did you miss the vetoes of Obama every time they tried to get anything passed? Obama by-passed Congress saying, "I have a pen and a phone." Your memory seems to be selective like the rest of the irrelevant left.

Permalink Report Post
PopMom
February 13, 2017 at 9 a.m.

They all speak with forked tongues. Why can't they just say that they are in favor of deporting children who were raised here and known no other home even though they are stellar students and good people? What a bunch of stooge losers! Westerman was in favor of getting rid of the ethics office.

Permalink Report Post
mrcharles
February 13, 2017 at 11:12 a.m.

Oh Timber you are wrong, they have worked on that great health care plan they have put forth- Repeal the Affordable Care Act- how many votes and how many complaints did these low life ILKS waste time on? But what do you expect from hypocrites. And lie2all, what was the slogan by senate leader mr turtle when Obama was elected- perhaps your doctor should check for dementia.

Clearly our delegation is of the marcion type, THAT the OT g-d injunctions should be ignored.
Leviticus 19:33-34 - And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him.

Matthew 25:35 - For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:

Exodus 22:21 - Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Malachi 3:5 - To the scholars you know what this says to the others it refers to trumps cabinet and aides.

Deuteronomy 27:19 - Cursed [be] he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.

Zechariah 7:9-10 - Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassion's every man to his brother:

THIS IS FOR MIKE MASTERSON--Hebrews 13:2 - Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Ezekiel 47:22 - And it shall come to pass, [that] ye shall divide it by lot for an inheritance unto you, and to the strangers that sojourn among you, which shall beget children among you: and they shall be unto you as born in the country among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.

Leviticus 25:35 - And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: [yea, though he be] a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.

Permalink Report Post
RBear
February 13, 2017 at 11:37 a.m.

What does "a nation of laws" mean in this conversation? Obama exercised discretion as does every president when dealing with matters regarding children of immigrants brought into the country. This is the same action both Reagan and Bush took, yet I don't hear these reps and senators disparaging either of them for that action. My bet is none of them have met with DACA students. I have and they would make any parent proud of their accomplishments. One I met is at MIT accomplishing great things. It is time to reform immigration and quit fighting about it. We can do better.

Permalink Report Post
Knuckleball1
February 13, 2017 at 12:48 p.m.

The Arkansas Delegation, has not done anything in the past 4 years... I don't have any hope or have I seen any changes coming on that front. They are good at running their mouths but like any character in earning their pay. No more than they have done (all 6 of them) they need to reimburse the country for the money they were paid...!!!

Permalink Report Post
DontDrinkDatKoolAid
February 13, 2017 at 2:01 p.m.

End DACA, send them back and close the door.

Permalink Report Post