Why are people surprised about this? Don't we all remember that Boehner tried like 5 times to cram amnesty through before getting slapped down by the base? He wants it, period. Executive amnesty means he gets to have his cake and eat it too because he gets amnesty without having to pass a bill.
He will fight like hell to get this through.
I am surprised!
I am pretty sure he held out longer than any other time before giving in and doing what he wanted in the first place.