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Republicans warn that Obama will regret immigration moves


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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate's top Republican is warning that President Barack Obama will "come to regret" the steps he'll be announcing tonight on immigration.

In a speech tonight, Obama will be claiming broad authority to grant work permits to millions of immigrants who are living in the country illegally.

Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell warned on the Senate floor today that "Congress will act." He says Republicans are "considering a variety of options" for when they control both the House and Senate next year.

In addition to the millions who would get work permits, Obama is expected to help young immigrants who entered the country illegally as children but do not currently qualify under a directive he issued two years ago. That's expected to be expanded.

And Obama is expected to make sure that many of the people who aren't covered by the new executive orders would be given a lower priority for deportation. That group would include immigrants who've lived illegally in the U.S. for 10 years or more.

Speaking today at a White House ceremony recognizing achievements in science, technology and innovation, Obama said the nation needs an immigration system that "doesn't send away talent but attracts it."

%@AP Links

209-a-09-(President Barack Obama, speaking at awards ceremony for National Medals of Science and National Medals of Technology and Innovation)-"but attracts it"-President Obama says there's another reason for fixing America's broken immigration system: a shortage of high-tech workers. ((cut in wrap)) (20 Nov 2014)

<<CUT *209 (11/20/14)££ 00:09 "but attracts it"

208-a-14-(President Barack Obama, speaking at awards ceremony for National Medals of Science and National Medals of Technology and Innovation)-"potential someplace else"-President Obama says part of what he's announcing tonight is a way of allowing more of those who come to America to study to stay here and work. (20 Nov 2014)

<<CUT *208 (11/20/14)££ 00:14 "potential someplace else"

178-a-14-(Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in remarks)-"this very issue"-Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says the president's action would be a complete about-face from his earlier contention that he doesn't have the authority to act. (20 Nov 2014)

<<CUT *178 (11/20/14)££ 00:14 "this very issue"

175-a-15-(Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in remarks)-"it even worse"-Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says the president's unilateral action on immigration would be a big mistake. (20 Nov 2014)

<<CUT *175 (11/20/14)££ 00:15 "it even worse"

APPHOTO LAGH105: Lavon Massey, 1, holds a sign as immigrants and activists hold a protest outside the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service office in New Orleans, Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014. The event was to draw attention to the possibility that many immigrants living illegally in the United States may not be shielded by an executive order President Barack Obama is expected to sign. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (19 Nov 2014)

<<APPHOTO LAGH105 (11/19/14)££

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