The ACLU of Iowa stands with a broad coalition of advocates across the state and across the country applauding the President’s decision to expand administrative relief to a larger number of immigrants living in our communities.

President Obama's action is the result of the hard work of a broad movement and is a decisive step to provide temporary relief for many out of the current broken system in our county. We expect that the executive action will change thousands of lives for families in Iowa who will be able to live, work and be a part of our communities without living fear of being separated from their families.

However, President Obama’s executive actions are not a complete solution. We are extremely concerned about the rights of all six million immigrants excluded from deportation relief, including those who are long-standing neighbors in our communities. The action will also result in more militarization in U.S. border communities, without increasing accountability measures for Customs and Border Protection, the nation’s largest and most dangerous police force.

We also recognize that this action is limited in scope and is not a permanent solution. We call on Iowa’s delegation to get serious and act with urgency to pass meaningful legislation on immigration. A majority of Iowans support legislation providing a roadmap to citizenship for immigrants in our communities, and we renew our call to Congress to make a roadmap to citizenship the centerpiece of any meaningful reform.

Tonight’s announcement is an important step in the right direction, but there is still work to be done. Today we celebrate, but tomorrow, we join our fellow advocates, organizers and movement leaders to continue the fight for the six million immigrants left unprotected.