Speech #1140086234

I wish to say a word about the case before the Court this morning. This was a caseUnited States v. Texasa legal challenge. as I mentioned earlier. to the Presidents immigration policy. filed by 26 Republican Governors. I believe this lawsuit has no legal merit. It is driven by political hostility toward President Obama and his immigration policy. I was proud to join an amicus brief signed by 39 Senators on our side of the aisle and 186 House Democrats in support of the administrations decision on immigration. The President is on very solid ground in this case. I am hoping and confident that the Supreme Court will rule in his favor. As an initial matter before the case proceeds. the States that filed this lawsuit have to show they will be harmed by the Presidents immigration policy. Otherwise. they really dont have any standing to sue. It turns out that exactly the opposite is true. The Presidents policy allowing people to work here on a temporary basis under his Executive orders will create a huge benefit to the American economy. Over the next 10 years. in the State of Texas aloneand they brought the lawsuit. at least started itthe Presidents immigration action would increase that States gross domestic product by more than $38 billion and increase the earnings of all Texas residents by $17.5 billion. They argue that the Presidents immigration policy would cost the State of Texas money. It turns out that exactly the opposite is true. Even if the States have standing to sue. the Supreme Court repeatedly has held that the Federal Government has broad authority to decide questions of immigration. Justice Anthony Kennedy. appointed earlier. wrote the opinion for the Court striking down Arizonas controversial immigration law. Listen to what he said: A principal feature of the removal syster Removal of people who are not eligible to be in the United Statesis the broad discretion exercised by immigration officials .... Discretion in the enforcement of immigration law embraces immediate human concerns. Unauthorized workers trying to support their families. for example. likely pose less danger than alien smugglers or aliens who commit a serious crime. This administrations immigration policy is not just legal. it is smart and realistic. The President has said simply: We should prioritize. We have limited resources. We cant deport all those who are here undocumented. If we are only going to deport some. lets pick those who are a danger to the United States. The President has focused on those who have been convicted of serious crimes or pose a threat to our security.