WASHINGTON, DC–Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) issued the following statement tonight after President Obama’s announcement to act unilaterally on immigration reform.

“Tonight the President articulated his plan to act unilaterally on one of the most significant issues facing America: the future of 11 million undocumented immigrants in our country.  His decision to act alone blatantly disregards the will of the American people: for their elected leaders to work together and enact effective, long-term solutions that make people’s lives better.  Tonight the President has done exactly the opposite.  He has revealed that his own desire for unilateral action trumps the democratic process upon which this country was founded.   

“When it comes to fixing our broken immigration system, the American people want a permanent solution, not a quick fix.  They want the most effective solution, not the most expeditious one.  They want their elected leaders to come together, transcend partisan divisions, and advance real, common-sense solutions.  Make no mistake: I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle – and I will listen to the American people – to get immigration reform right.  I urge the President to join us in that effort.”