Obama defends immigration policy in Telemundo town hall

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“Instead of trying to hold hostage funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which is so important for our national security, fund that and let’s get on with actually passing comprehensive immigration reform,” Obama said at the event, aired on Telemundo and MSNBC, and hosted by José Díaz-Balart, an anchor on both channels.

The meeting was announced in the days following a ruling last week from a federal district court judge that temporarily blocked Obama’s executive action on immigration.The White House said it was a chance for the President to reach the Hispanic community, taking questions from online and members of the audience.

“Everybody here and everybody watching also has responsibilities, and one of those responsibilities is voting for people who advocate on behalf of the things that you care about,” he said.

Looking ahead to 2016 and beyond, he called on young people in the audience to look to the future.

“At some point there’s gonna be a President Rodriguez or there’s gonna be a President Chin,” Obama said drawing applause. “The country is a nation of immigrants and ultimately it will reflect who we are and its politics will reflect who we are. And that’s not something to be afraid of.”

CNN