NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — President Barack Obama was in the mid-state yesterday, trying to reassure immigrants that if they register under his new executive action they won't be deported in the future.
Obama heard from several participants in town hall at an immigrant community center that they are fearful to give their information to the government. One young woman asked Obama what would happen to them if the next president ends the program.
Obama said although the assurance they won't be deported is temporary, he's confident they’ll be able to stay in the United States with their children.
“If you have deep ties to this country, and you are willing to do right by the law and do what you need to do, then you shouldn’t have to worry about being deported, or being separated from your kids.”
Tennessee Republicans have panned Obama’s initiative, calling it executive overreach. Chris Devaney is Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.
“It’s probably the largest overreach by an American president since Franklin Roosevelt tried to stack the Supreme Court back in the ‘30s. I think it’s very politically motivated. The Republicans in Congress are trying to look at their appropriate actions to thwart his overreach.”
Obama recently used his executive authority to extend deportation relief and work permits to some 4 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally. His action would affect those who have been here more than five years and have children.