It’s Donald Trump’s party now as House Republicans, led by Speaker Paul Ryan, are set to vote on filing an amicus brief against President Obama’s immigration action as soon as Thursday. Speaker Ryan has himself called his move “a very extraordinary step,” and it’s confirmation that this lawsuit is nothing but pure politics from Republicans.
And, it’s further confirmation that Ryan has absolutely no problem continuing to carry on the anti-immigrant torch from his predecessor, John Boehner, who allowed Steve King and other cohorts full run of the House when it came to immigration.
This time, Ryan is using the cover of wanting the authority to file an amicus brief in the Texas case. Here’s the thing: He could file one anyway. He doesn’t need the House to take a vote. But, by forcing the House to vote, Ryan continues the politicization of the Texas case. He’s making sure the anti-immigrant groups, like NumbersUSA, can score another vote — and gives his caucus another anti-immigrant talking point.
Ryan is proving again that the underlying issue in the case is a “political question” — and should not even be heard by the Supreme Court. Let’s hope Chief Justice John Roberts is paying attention.
Below, votes from the anti-immigrant Hall of Shame from this current Congress.
- On January 14, 2015, House Republicans passed Rep. Marsha Blackburn’s amendment to end DACA and putting some 700,000 young DREAMers at risk of deportation, 218-209
- On January 14, 2015, House Republicans passed Rep. Robert Aderholt’s amendment to block funding for DAPA, 237-190
- On January 14, 2015, House Republicans passed DHS appropriations containing anti-immigrant amendments ending President Obama’s 2014 immigration actions, as well as DACA, 236-191
- On May 14, 2015, House Republicans passed Rep. Mo Brooks and Rep. Steve King’s amendment striking language that from the FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have encouraged the Obama Administration to let DACA recipients enlist in the US military, 221-202
- On June 3, 2015, House Republicans passed Rep. King’s amendment blocking use of Department of Justice funds to defend Texas v. US, the lawsuit blocking implementation of DAPA and expanded DACA, 222-204
- On June 3, 2015, House Republicans passed Rep. King’s amendment blocking Department of Justice funds to so-called “sanctuary cities,” 227-198
- On November 19, 2015, House Republicans passed legislation that would have effectively ended resettlement of Syrian refugees in the United States, 289-137
