ACLJ Calls President Obama’s Immigration Order “Unconstitutional Power Grab of Historic Proportions”

(Washington, DC) – The American Center for Law & Justice (ACLJ), which focuses on constitutional law, said President Obama’s Executive Order on immigration reform is an “unconstitutional power grab of historic proportions” designed to change the law by “executive fiat – something that he does not have the power to do.”

“The action is an unconstitutional power grab of historic proportions by a President whose tenure has centered on governing by overreach,” said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ. “The President is treading on very dangerous ground by issuing an Executive Order on immigration where there is underlying law in place. The President is changing the law by executive fiat - something that he does not have the power to do. By granting substantive rights such as work permits the President is exceeding his authority - a move that is unconstitutional and violates the rule of law. While we support comprehensive immigration reform - which must begin with border security - such immigration reform must be done lawfully and with the participation of Congress. We’re now discussing options with members of Congress - including the possibility of litigation - to challenge the President’s unconstitutional action.”

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law & Justice is headquartered in Washington, D.C.