We're tired of waiting for action: Opposing view

Anyone who wants to see immigration addressed agrees that legislation will deliver the lasting solution our country needs. And everyone who follows this issue knows Congress has been unable, and sometimes unwilling, to do so.

This year, House Republicans squandered the best opportunity that our country has had in decades to tackle the issue — even after the Senate passed bipartisan legislation that was supported by a diverse array of backers and the vast majority of Americans.

Instead, partisan politicians spent the summer turning the child refugee issue into a divisive dispute and a political vendetta against the modest, highly successful relief provided to "DREAMers." Now even some Senate Democrats are buying into the politics of fear, and the president has delayed taking action.

History shows us that when it comes to immigration, congressional action is often preceded by executive action. Presidents of both parties have used their discretionary powers on multiple occasions to protect groups from deportation for a wide variety of reasons.

Many of these executive actions were controversial when first announced, yet in virtually every case (except those clearly linked to temporary conditions abroad) Congress acted to ratify the president's decision. This has been an accepted part of American policymaking since at least World War II.

Even if executive action is temporary, it will improve national security by encouraging people living in the shadows to come forward and go through criminal background checks.

Those who are working would do so legally, increasing tax revenue and preventing bad employers from pitting them against U.S. workers. And it would bring a semblance of stability to hundreds of thousands of families, which include immigrants and citizens alike.

Waiting for Congress would make sense were it not for the fact that we have been waiting for over 20 years. Ironically, it is the refusal of Republicans to act that makes it imperative for the president to do so.

Our country should not have to wait so long when the benefits of legitimate executive action can be realized now. Common sense, decency and the national interest demand it.

Janet Murguía is president and CEO of the National Council of La Raza.