Obama expected to block deportations

The Obama administration is considering a plan that would protect about 5 million immigrants living in U.S, illegally, from deportation. It is part of a broad set of Executive Orders that could be announced as early as next week, say those familiar with the discussions.

The unilateral move by the U.S. President would fall shy of what many immigrant advocates have been demanding, but is sure to enrage Republicans..  It could be the first major confrontation between the White House ,and Republicans, since the party swept midterm congressional elections last week.

Obama argues executive action is necessary because the Republican-controlled House failed to pass a sweeping, bipartisan immigration bill approved by the Senate earlier this year.

Travelling in Asia, Obama said Friday that if Congress has a problem with his plan, it could simply undo it by passing the original legislation.   "I would advise that if in fact they want to take a different approach, rather than devote a lot of time trying to constrain my lawful actions as the chief executive of the U.S. government in charge of enforcing our immigrations laws, that they spend some time passing a bill," he said during a news conference in Yangon, Myanmar.

"We're going to fight the President tooth and nail if he continues down this path," House Speaker John Boehner said. "And so, all the options are on the table."   Some conservatives in the House and Senate announced plans to push for language in must-pass spending bills to block the President from acting. But other Republicans warned that such a push could result in another unpopular government shutdown, which happened last year over Obama's health care plan.
   

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Officials in his administration say Obama still hasn't received formal recommendations from the Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeb Johnson.   However, they added that Obama is well acquainted with the options open to him. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The protection from deportation could extend to an estimated 5 million people.  They include the parents and spouses of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been in the country for a number of years. The President is also expected to expand his 2-year-old program that protects young people from deportation.

Although Obama is not able to grant citizenship or permanent resident green cards without Congressional approval, he can offer temporary protection from deportation, along with permission to work..

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