President Obama is considering a delay of controversial proposals to revamp immigration laws through executive action until after the November’s midterm elections in the hope of protecting Democratic Senate candidates, the New York Times reports. In June, Obama vowed to act unilaterally, declaring a deep frustration with what he called Republican obstruction. He pledged to act to reshape the immigration system after he got advisers’ recommendations this summer.
Now Obama appears to be stepping back from a firm commitment to that timing, a move that could draw fire from immigration advocacy groups who are expecting decisive action soon. On Thursday, Obama himself hinted at the possibility of a delay. White House press secretary Josh Earnest, asked about the timing, said, “That's putting the cart before the horse. Those who are speculating about how those recommendations might be implemented are a little ahead of themselves.” White House aides say the president is eager to shift immigration enforcement toward dangerous criminals and repeat border-crossers, and away from families who have lived without legal status in the U.S. for years.