video transcript

U.S. President Barack Obama calls on Congress to overhaul the U.S. immigration system. After years on the back burner, immigration reform suddenly looks possible after Republicans, chastened by Latino voters who rejected them in the November election, look more kindly on an overhaul. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING: "I'm here today because the time has come for common sense comprehensive immigration reform. The time is now." He says a plan must offer a path to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING: "We have to deal with the 11 million individuals who are here illegally. We all agree that these men and women should have to earn their way to citizenship. But for comprehensive immigration reform to work, it must be clear from the outset that there is a pathway to citizenship." Immigration reform could give Obama a landmark second-term legislative achievement, but success on such a divisive issue will require a delicate balancing act.