WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama is poised to claim broad authority to grant work permits to millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States and to protect them from deportation.
But the vehement reactions of Republicans, who will have control of Congress come January, made clear that Obama was courting a serious partisan confrontation.
"Congress will act," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell warned on the Senate floor Thursday, hours before Obama's 8 p.m. EST address.
Obama "will come to regret" his action, McConnell said. "We're considering a variety of options. But make no mistake. When the newly elected representatives of the people take their seats, they will act."
Obama's measures to be announced in a nationally televised address could make as many as 5 million people eligible for work permits, with the broadest action likely aimed at extending deportation protections to parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, as long as those parents have been in the country for at least five years.
However, the plan would leave the fate of millions more unresolved. With more than 11 million immigrants living in the country illegally, Obama's actions would not offer specific protections to more than half.
"What I'm going to be laying out is the things that I can do with my lawful authority as president to make the system better, even as I continue to work with Congress and encourage them to get a bipartisan, comprehensive bill that can solve the entire problem," Obama said in a video posted Wednesday on Facebook.
On Thursday, Obama discussed the need for an overhaul of the immigration system in the context of science and technology, saying the U.S. benefits from innovations and discoveries by scientists and researchers who come here to pursue their work.
"Part of staying competitive in a global economy is making sure we have an immigration system that doesn't send away talent but attracts it," Obama said at a White House ceremony recognizing achievements in science, technology and innovation. "So that's what I'll be talking about a little bit tonight."
Some on the right pushed for using must-pass spending legislation to try to stop Obama's effort. One lawmaker -- Republican Rep. Mo Brooks-- raised the spectre of impeachment.
Party leaders warned against such talk and sought to avoid spending-bill tactics that could lead to a government shutdown. They said such moves could backfire, alienating Hispanic voters and others.
