In anticipation of the February 18^th rollout of President Obama’s immigration executive actions, Representative Pete Aguilar released the following statement:

“Since taking office, I have had the opportunity to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. One of the most important issues I look forward to addressing together is comprehensive immigration reform. The Senate passed a bipartisan bill nearly twenty months ago, which the House leadership has refused to bring to the floor. I applaud the President for taking a step in the right direction, giving us the opportunity to keep families together and begin to fix our broken immigration system. I encourage all eligible applicants under the new executive action to apply beginning February 18^th, and I look forward to working on this further with my colleagues in the House.”

President Obama unveiled the Immigration Accountability Executive Action on November 20, 2014. It consists of two distinct orders: a new program, Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA), and the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

The latest program, DAPA, would permit undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to register with the government. They would be required to undergo a criminal background check at their own expense, acquire legal authorization to work in the United States, and would receive temporary protection from deportation if they are approved.

The other key piece of the executive action is the expansion of DACA, which provides protection for immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. Eligible applicants may begin applying on February 18^th.