United States President Barack Obama has called for a comprehensive overhaul of US immigration laws.
In a speech in El Paso, Texas, Mr Obama said that fixing the system would reduce the number of people entering the country illegally.
He backed a path to legal status for illegal immigrants as well as crackdowns on employers who hire illegal workers.
Mr Obama called on Congress to reject ''the usual Washington games'' and enact a comprehensive overhaul.
The BBC reports about 11 million illegal immigrants are estimated to be living in the United States.
Immigration reform is of particular importance to the Hispanic electorate, whose support Mr Obama will need in his 2012 re-election bid.
In 2008, exit polls showed 67% of Hispanics voted for Mr Obama, compared with 31% for Republican John McCain.
