Executive Grants of Temporary Immigration Relief, 1956-Present
Today, the American Immigration Council releases Executive Grants of Temporary Immigration Relief, 1956-Present. Since at least 1956, every U.S. president has granted temporary immigration relief to one or more groups in need of assistance. The publication includes a chart of 39 examples which span actions large and small, taken over many years, sometimes by multiple administrations. Some presidents announced programs while legislation was pending. Other presidents responded to humanitarian crises. Still others made compelling choices to assist individuals in need when the law failed to address their needs or changes in circumstance.
Mark Noferi, Enforcement Fellow with the American Immigration Council, also has published an op-ed in The Hill today exploring the “Family Fairness” policy implemented by Presidents Ronald Reagan and George Bush, Sr., a response to family separation caused by immigration law that is strikingly similar to the choices President Obama faces today.
KJ