Obama's executive actions: What they mean for undocumented immigrants

Daniel del Toro and daughter
Daniel del Toro came to the United States at the age of 12 in 1990. He's pictured here with his 5-year-old daughter who was born in the United States. Del Toro has two children. Both were born in the United States.
Sasha Aslanian / MPR News

There were tears and cheers in Las Vegas on Friday when President Obama visited a local high school to tout his two executive actions to delay deportations for millions of undocumented immigrants. At the same time, Republicans and immigration opponents were considering ways to blunt the president's authority.

Ali Noorani, executive director of National Immigration Forum, spoke to The New York Times about the news:

Mr. Noorani said more moderate Republicans might see tackling immigration as a way to prove they can address pressing issues, which could help them take back the White House in 2016.

"They can either get credit for fixing the immigration system and actually saying, 'O.K., we're going to make this permanent,' or they can get credit for trying to take the legalization of families away," he said.

On The Daily Circuit, we move beyond the politics of immigration to talk about the people directly affected by Obama's announcement - and about the millions of undocumented immigrants left untouched.

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.