Democrats unveiled plans to hit the road to urge immigrants to be ready to sign up for the immigration benefits as Republicans were pressing ahead to try to block President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration.
Democrats in Congress and immigration groups are planning forums and workshops in coming weeks to inform communities on what Obama's executive action does and how they can be ready to participate. Several members planned to attend a Capitol news conference Tuesday about the workshops.
Rep. Luis Gutierrez stated he'd be joining Rep. David Cicilline, D-Rhode Island, in an event in Providence, Rhode Island. Other events will be held in cities including Chicago, Los Angeles and Charleston and states including New Jersey, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Florida.
Meanwhile, the White House issued a veto threat of Republicans' funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security. GOP members want to include amendments aimed at preventing funds for Obama's upcoming immigration executive action and measures limiting deportations.
The debate comes as governments grapple with last week's terror attacks in France. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said the agency cannot function on temporary, stopgap measures. "There are homeland security and border security priorities that must be funded without delay," he said.
House Speaker John Boehner's office, however, said in a statement the bill bolsters border security with additional Customs and Border Protection personnel, increased surveillance and more, including amendments on Obama's executive action.
IN-DEPTH:
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Applying For Immigration Action Could Begin In Mid-February
–– Suzanne Gamboa