President Barack Obama postponed executive action on immigration , but Democrats want voters to know the delay is n't his fault . Blame Republicans instead , according to the latest Democratic latest talking points . Obama had weighed action on immigration -- including moves that could allow a path to legal status for millions of undocumented workers -- after congressional action on the issue stalled . The President took the brunt of criticism immediately after the White House announced Saturday he is delaying any unitary action on immigration until after November 's midterm elections . He faced accusations of betrayal , bitter disappointment and frustration . And those are from the President 's allies -- Democrats and immigration reform proponents who lead communities that voted overwhelmingly for Obama in 2008 and 2012 . Since the weekend , Democrats began targeting House Republicans . Rep. Loretta Sanchez , D-California , said Monday on CNN 's `` New Day '' that she is frustrated with the President but added : `` The real reality is that these House Republicans have refused to work with us , to move a bill that would solve this issue . '' Last year , the Senate passed a comprehensive bill that would provide a path to legal status for millions of long-term undocumented immigrants while also strengthening border security . House Republicans refused to consider the Senate bill , which Obama and Democrats claim would pass if put to a vote . Rep. Tony Cardenas , also a California Democrat , said the `` first blame '' should lie with Congress for not doing taking up immigration legislation . `` Now the President is forced to have to take a measure like executive actions , '' Cardenas said Sunday on CNN 's `` State of the Union . '' The President 's delayed action could protect Democrats in competitive Senate races in conservative states like Louisiana , Arkansas , Georgia , Kentucky and North Carolina . By focusing blame on Republicans , Democrats likely are trying to placate anger in immigrant communities . But the relationship between those communities and the administration is strained . Immigration advocates are pointing to the 60,000 family members that could be deported before the end of the year as an unfortunate outcome of the President 's political calculation . `` Republicans killed the best chance in a generation to enact landmark immigration reform legislation , '' Frank Sharry , executive director of immigration reform group America 's Voice , told CNN in a statement . `` President Obama , however , has deported more than 2 million people and failed to deliver on promises of reform , including most recently when he publicly promised to take executive action by the end of the summer . '' There 's no question , Republicans are still blaming the President . Opinion : To get immigration reform , elect a Republican . Lawmakers urge Obama to work with Congress on immigration .
Immigration reform advocates initially criticize President Obama for delaying action . Now they are shifting the blame to Democrats for failing to legislate on immigration . Democrats are likely trying to placate voters in immigrant communities .