Gutierrez on immigration: 'I'm not giving up on Barack Obama'

WASHINGTON — Taking a very pragmatic approach, Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., on Tuesday said since there is “nothing he can say” to change the decision of President Barack Obama to delay executive actions on immigration until after the November elections, it is “best to move forward” and seek actions that when they come are “broad, humane and generous.”

On Sunday, Gutierrez said Obama was playing it too safe in taking executive actions on immigration off the table in order not to jeopardize Democratic control of the Senate. Most of the Democratic Senate seats at risk, except for Colorado, have small Hispanic populations.

Speaking to MSNBC host Jose Diaz-Balart, Gutierrez said, “There are people out there waiting for the president to be their champion. I am waiting. I am not giving up on Barack Obama. I know he is going to do the right thing. I am going to work with him. He’s made the decision. I am going to work with him to make sure that the decision is broad and that it is understood.”