Becerra: Obama’s actions legal, common

Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) on Sunday defended President Obama’s executive orders on immigration, saying the administration acted within its authority.

{mosads}Obama’s sweeping executive orders on immigration have ignited controversy, with Republicans saying the orders are outside the scope of presidential authority and Democrats defending the actions.

“It’s not only legal, but it’s common,” said Becerra, chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, on “Fox News Sunday.”

Obama announced last week executive orders that allow for millions of undocumented workers to apply for delayed deportation. The executive orders also instruct officials to direct their deportation efforts to those with criminal records.

Becerra added that he thought Congress should pass immigration reform, saying that “congressional action trumps any executive action.” He also criticized the House for not taking up the Senate’s bipartisan immigration bill.