It’s worth remembering that whenever the possibility of immigration legislation comes before Congress, it ignites the conflict between the national GOP and grassroots conservatives like no other issue. Conservatives pounce on Republican leaders for any indication that they’re going to surrender on key principles, and Republican leaders wish conservatives would simmer down so as to not endanger their political strategy.
The moment Obama acts unilaterally on the issue (assuming he does), this dynamic will change. Republicans of all stripes will be united in their opposition against what they perceive to be another act of lawlessness by Obama, especially egregious following an election in which his party suffered a historic defeat.
Obama may think he can win over the public by arguing that House Republicans failed to act on immigration, so he was forced to step in. But I’m not so sure that argument will fly.
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