On the recordMarch 14, 2016
I take executive action only when we have a serious problem, a serious issue, and Congress chooses to do nothing. I will fix as much of our immigration system as I can on my own, without Congress.
Source
congress.govBarack Obama: “I take executive action only when we have a serious problem, a serious issue, and Congress chooses to do nothing. I will…”
Editor's note · Context
Obama explains his rationale for taking executive action on immigration due to congressional inaction.
Share
More from Barack Obama
Oct 15, 2026
If I had a blame pie for why politics is so polarised and why we're seeing a rise of populism in many places, it's because of that information that is going into our brains every day.
Oct 9, 2026
Looking forward to being in Detroit on 10/24 to campaign for Jocelyn Benson, Abdul El-Sayed and Democrats up and down the ballot in Michigan.
Oct 15, 2026
I think when we act on that basis, it doesn't always work out, but over time things do get better.
Other voices in this conversation
