This topic will have great implications for both parties leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Republicans will be trying to avoid appearing too hard on the issue, which could alienate some voters. Democrats, on the other hand, wish to avoid watching President Obama’s approval dip deeper if his decision to act unilaterally on immigration proves to be unpopular with voters.
Report from the National Journal:
It didn’t take long for the 2016 election to reach its first major crossroads. As early as this week, President Obama is expected to ignore the wishes of congressional Republicans and announce that he will unilaterally defer deportations for millions of undocumented immigrants.
When he does, Republicans and Democrats alike should worry he just made life harder for their next presidential nominees. Few decisions, even from the president, influence elections more than 23 months away, but Obama’s immigration maneuver accomplishes the rare feat of exposing both parties to what should be their biggest cause for concern in the 2016 election.
Seems that movement from the President could come at any time. I’m guessing Democrats would like to move on this issue quickly to get it off the minds of many voters by the time 2016 rolls around. Furthermore, if the President can avoid giving Republicans any credit on the issue, it will be a political success from the White House’s point of view.
