Obama aims for immigration reform passage by end of year

WASHINGTON (AP):

President Barack Obama says US businesses are looking for quick passage of immigration reform as he pushes Congress to act by the end of the year.

Obama met with chief executives at the White House yesterday to pressure the Republican-controlled House to pass legislation overhauling the US immigration system.

Obama said some "unlikely bedfellows" are supporting immigration reform from the liberal and conservative side.

The US Chamber of Commerce is sending 50 small business owners to meet with lawmakers, while the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations labour federation planned today to announce new actions to push for passage.

The Senate has already passed Obama-backed legislation that would secure borders and provide a road to citizenship for 11 million immigrants who entered the country illegally. House Republican leaders prefer a piecemeal approach to legislation.