Executive action on immigration expected Thursday

The Washington Post is reporting that “President Obama will announce Thursday that he will use his executive authority to expand temporary protections to millions of undocumented immigrants.”

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, during an appearance at the National Press Club in Washington, did not specify the actions Obama will take but did say they will include steps to further secure the southern border of the United States. He added that Administration lawyers have advised the President that executive action on this matter is legal and within his authority.

Congressional Republicans have warned Obama that he risks undermining the prospects for cooperation on legislation in the final two years of his presidency if he takes action on immigration, reported the Post.

After the announcement on Thursday, the President will travel to Las Vegas on Friday to rally support for his initiative. “Obama launched his push for immigration reform in January 2013 in Las Vegas, outlining a plan that would allow many of the nation’s 11 million undocumented immigrants to earn citizenship,” reported the Post.