I was discussing this elsewhere, and got this reply. I think it’s spot on.
“Here’s the political calculus behind this...
Obama refused to do this before the election, even publicly announcing that an executive order on immigration would be a bad idea and publicly denouncing those calling for it in his speeches.
The day after the election, the Republicans begin talking about ‘working together’ and healing the wounds (now that they control both houses of Congress)
If Republicans did start working with the Obama administration, it makes Republicans look good...which is something Democrats don’t want because they don’t Rs to win the next presidential election.
Republicans also want to pass immigration reform, they (like Democrats) recognize that the hispanic vote is essential to the future. They also recognize that latinos are very socially conservative and only vote D because of the immigration issue.
So now you’ve got a growing segment of the Republican part, led by Rubio, stealing the hispanic vote from Democrats by being in favor immigration reform.
Obama sees this and rightfully assesses that he can’t let Republicans pass reform...if he does, he’s losing the 2016 presidential election for Democrats before the candidate’s even picked.
So, Obama decides that he’s going to go back on his word and intentionally stick a thumb in eye of republicans. He decides not only to take an action intentionally designed to deliver a ‘fuck you’ to Congress by bypassing them, but he also steals the issue from Republicans by cutting their legs out from under them by not letting them get a chance to vote on it next year.
It’s a very well, coldly calculated move. Obama knows he’s unpopular and a lame duck, so he’s sacrificing his own ability to get things done in the future in order to cut the legs out of the growing movement in the republican party that supports immigration reform.
tl;dr: Obama’s shutting down any real chance at immigration reform by killing the republican movement in favor it and forcing them into a corner. It’s brilliant from a partisan standpoint, but it’s terrible for anyone who actually favors immigration reform.”
Problem is, if the Republicans challenge this act in the courts, it could put the entire act on hold for months if not years...
So, don’t see your point on how this is a win for Obama.
I think some have misread this issue among Latinos. I know a green card holder who got it legally. He said “these people will be competing with me for a job. Those who aren’t are involved in crime. I don’t them here.”
Excellent analysis. But I don’t think that “immigration reform” as envisioned by the Chamber of Commerce is a winning issue.
We can take the high ground by stopping Obama’s actions using Cruz’ suggested strategy, and call for secure borders with legal means of citizenship.