1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent from Florida to remind you of your constitutional duty as a member of Congress to legislate on immigration. The U.S. Constitution clearly empowers Congress—not the Executive Branch—to create and oversee federal immigration and citizenship laws. This authority is not only foundational to our system of checks and balances but is also what the people of Florida and my district expect from their elected representatives. In recent years, Congress has allowed immigration policy to be shaped largely through executive orders and administrative actions. While the President may issue executive orders to direct the enforcement of existing laws, the power to make or change immigration law rests solely with Congress. Outsourcing this responsibility to the Executive Branch undermines the intent of the Framers and the will of the American people, who have made it clear—especially in Florida—that immigration is a top priority and that they want their representatives to act. As recent executive orders have shown, major shifts in immigration policy can be implemented without congressional input, leading to uncertainty, legal challenges, and policies that do not necessarily reflect the consensus or best interests of the nation. The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed that Congress holds plenary power over immigration, and that executive authority in this area is derived only from congressional delegation. When Congress fails to act, it leaves a vacuum that the Executive Branch fills, often without the transparency, debate, and accountability that legislation requires. It is time for Congress to reclaim its constitutional role: • Debate and pass comprehensive immigration laws that reflect the priorities of the American people. • Exercise robust oversight of the Executive Branch to ensure it is faithfully executing the laws Congress has enacted. • Stop relying on executive orders as a substitute for the hard work of legislating. The people of Florida and my district did not elect you to delegate this responsibility. We expect you to lead on immigration, to engage in the legislative process, and to ensure that our nation’s immigration policies are determined by the representatives of the people—not by unilateral executive action. Please honor your oath to the Constitution and do the job you were elected to do. Respectfully,