President Obama told a group of Hispanic lawmakers today he will continue fighting for a "comprehensive" immigration bill in the face of Republican obstructionism.
"What's holding us back is a stalemate," Obama said in addressing the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.
Obama spoke a seek after announcing a policy blocking deportations of children of illegal immigrants, somewhat mirroring a bill that had been languishing in Congress.
The new policy "falls short of where we need to be" he added. "A path to citizenship."
The president also spoke a day after Republican candidate Mitt Romney addressed the same group of Latino lawmakers. Obama reminded the group that Romney has pledged to veto the "DREAM Act," which would provide a path to citizenship for young people who attend college or join the military.
"We should have passed the DREAM Act a long time ago." Obama said.
In his speech on Thursday, Romney did not way whether would repeal Obama's new deportation policy.
The Republican candidate did say Obama is politicizing the issue, and pledged to work with both parties to forge a consensus on immigration issues.