US President Barack Obama is shown on a large screen as he delivers his immigration speech from the White House before the start of the 15th Annual Latin Grammy Awards in Las Vegas, Nevada November 20, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

'PASS A BILL'

Drawing a line of defense against expected Republican challenges, Obama argued his actions were not only lawful but the kinds of steps taken by presidents for the past half century, both Republican and Democratic.

"And to those members of Congress who question my authority to make our immigration system work better, or question the wisdom of me acting where Congress has failed, I have one answer: Pass a bill," he said.

With Republicans warning that Obama will poison the well toward future cooperation on other issues, the president told his opponents: "Don't let a disagreement over a single issue be a dealbreaker on every issue."

"Americans are tired of gridlock," he said.

Senior administration officials said Obama would shift law enforcement resources from the interior of the country to the USborder and that recent border crossers would be sent back. Deportation efforts would focus largely on gang members and violent criminals, instead of families.

Administration officials described Obama's actions as the biggest shift in immigration policy since 1986 changes by President Ronald Reagan.

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