House Republicans: Sue Obama if he acts on immigration

A handful of House Republicans want to authorize the House of Representatives to file a lawsuit against President Barack Obama if he acts on his own to ease U.S. immigration rules.

Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Ala.) proposed a resolution Monday that would allow the House to file a civil suit against the Obama administration if it fails to follow the law, "with respect to immigration laws or laws pertaining or relating to illegal aliens, undocumented immigrants, or non-American citizens."

President Barack Obama has said he wants to move on his own on immigration, and some House Republicans say the House should respond with a lawsuit.
Image: AP Photo/Rob Griffith

Obama is expected to announce a plan in the coming days or weeks that gives legal status to millions of illegal immigrants and allows them to work. Republicans have said elements of that plan, such as expanding green card access to illegal immigrants, would effectively re-write immigration laws passed by Congress without any congressional input.

Many GOP members want to pass legislation blocking the use of federal funds that would be used to carry out Obama's plan, but many others are looking for a tougher response. Brooks' resolution would head in that direction by giving Republicans the option of a lawsuit.

Under the resolution, the House would be allowed to use the courts to seek "appropriate relief," which could include a court determination on whether immigration laws are being followed. It could also include a preliminary or permanent injunction against Obama.

In July, the House approved a similar resolution authorizing the House to file a civil suit against Obama for his failure to implement Obamacare according to the way that law is written.

At the time, many Republicans grumbled that the Obamacare resolution dealt only with Obamacare, and didn't authorize a law suit over immigration or other issues.

The new resolution dealing with immigration is cosponsored by five other Republicans: John Culbertson (Texas), Michele Bachmann (Minn.), Paul Gosar (Ariz.), Tom McClintock (Calif.) and Steve Stockman (Texas).

Read the resolution here: