COSTA MESA, Calif. -- President Barack Obama says the United States is a nation of immigrants but the country must have control over its borders.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Southern California, Obama said immigration is a high-emotion issue that cannot be dealt with in pieces. He says he wants to work with leaders in Congress and in Mexico to come up with a comprehensive plan.
Obama says it's important for longtime illegal immigrants to have a path to citizenship so they can join unions and get protection from employers who exploit them. He says those illegal immigrants could earn U.S. citizenship if they pay a fine and learn English.
Obama says residents who have put down roots should be able to come out of hiding.
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