The American Immigration Council does not endorse or oppose candidates for elected office. We aim to provide analysis regarding the implications of the election on the U.S. immigration system.

In a speech tonight at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s annual gala, President Obama is expected to reaffirm his promise to take executive action on immigration reform, according to Buzzfeed. After Congress’ failure to pass comprehensive legislation, immigrant communities have been waiting for months to see what form of relief the Obama administration would offer.

President Obama follows a long history of presidents using their authority to grant temporary immigration relief; every U.S. president since at least 1956 has done so. Some administrative programs began while legislation was pending, and 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. Specifically, President George H.W. Bush implemented a family fairness policy in response to family separation caused by President Ronald Reagan’s 1986 immigration law—strikingly similar to the situation President Obama faces today.

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