Chicago Tribune Editorial Board member Clarence Page argued that “there are a lot of people who are in the country, who are not documented. But they’re not breaking the law” on Friday’s “McLaughlin Group.”
After fellow panelist Tom Rogan said that the executive action went “against the grain of law, and it’s against the tradition of American law.” Page responded, “I would agree with you, if he was trying to make a decision that would last longer than his administration. But by confining it to his administration, this is part of the managerial executive functions of the executive branch.”
Pat Buchanan then responded, “It’s three years, Clarence, is it confined to his administration?” Page answered, “Well, a new president can come in and change the policy, that basically, is what the–.”
Later, after Buchanan said Obama is “suspending enforcement of the law. It’s not whether I agree or disagree. It’s whether he has the power to suspend enforcement of the law.” Page countered, “I wish immigration law was that simple, but it’s not. That’s where people are confused, because there are a lot of people who are in the country, who are not documented. But they’re not breaking the law. They’re in some kind of a gray area status right now.”
Follow Ian Hanchett on Twitter @IanHanchett