The White House today welcomed an emerging bipartisan Senate deal on immigration -- and suggested it's thanks to President Obama.
Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters the deal was happening because of a "bipartisan consensus" emerging in the country.
"And it's happening because the president has demonstrated significant leadership," Carney offered, adding that when an effort to achieve comprehensive immigration reform failed in 2010, "this president continued to press for it. "
Though immigration advocates have faulted Obama for not pressing more aggressively on an immigration overhaul, Carney argued that Obama had "given speeches on it repeatedly," published a "detailed blue print online" and made clear during the presidential campaign that it would be a top priority.
"And he is keeping that commitment by pressing forward today," Carney said of the Senate announcement. "This is an important first step."
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