Ga Rep. Hank Johnson to Obama on immigration: 'We have your back...Let's make it happen'

U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Ga) participated in a small TV rally on Thursday at the Capitol, with several other Democratic House members, where he urged President Barack Obama to take executive action on immigration.

Johnson, who represents Georgia's 4^th district, compared the current state of the unauthorized immigrants in the country to slavery.  The congressman underscored that the opponents of any legalization path are simply taking advantage of hard-working migrants for their own gain, paying them "sub-wages" in an "underground economy."

"They're protecting an economic order that makes its living off of cheap labor," said Johnson.

The immigration issue is suddenly front and center because of leaks from the Obama Administration about a possible action in the coming days or weeks, before year's end. President's executive order might protect up to 5 million immigrants from deportation.

Republican leaders have been waing the president that such action could poison the relationship with new GOP-leaning Congress.  But most Democrats, including outgoing House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), have encouraged the president to act.

"One day there will be movies written about this episode in American history," said Johnson. "There will be a president who issues an executive order like the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed 3 to 4 million slaves with the signing of a pen. There will be some bold leaders in the Congress trying to move those who try to cling to the status quo. …

”In the end of the movie Congress will — there will be some bold action in Congress by congressional leaders to force the others to do what is right. And it may take a little bit more time, but I’m proud to stand here with those who have been fighting for a long time and those who have the strength to continue to fight until we get this done.  I also want to say to President Obama: We have your back. Don’t worry about it. Do the right thing. Let’s make it happen.