In El Paso, Obama Sets Up 'Conversations' on 'Broken Immigration System'

Seeking a "constructive national conversation," President Barack Obama speaks in El Paso, Texas, on Tuesday about ways to fix America's "broken immigration system."

Scheduled to deliver afternoon remarks at the Chamizal National Memorial after touring a cargo facility at the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry, the president plans to call a series of "community conversations" in the coming weeks.

According to a release issued by the White House:

"In recent weeks the president has met with and heard from leaders and stakeholders from diverse sectors including faith, business, law enforcement officials, current and former elected officials and others about the need to fix the broken immigration system, and why it matters to the American economy and will allow us to better use our national security and law enforcement resources. The president wants to have a civil and constructive debate on this issue.

"President Obama believes Democrats and Republicans should come together to tackle an issue that is critical not only to our national security but also to the economy and our global competitiveness. In his recent meetings, the president has made clear he will continue to lead on this issue, but has asked these leaders to take a public and active role in elevating the immigration debate."

To date, 30 community conversations are being organized around the country. Among them:

• May 11: Business, labor, law enforcement, and faith leaders join senior administration officials for a conference call to recap the presidents speech and next steps.
• May 12: Business leaders join U.S. Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra and administration officials in Omaha, Neb., for a round-table community conversation.
• May 12: Steve Case, Founder and former CEO of AOL and chair of the Startup America Partnership joins senior administration officials in a community conversation in Silicon Valley.
• May 19: Asian-American and Pacific Islander leaders join Labor Secretary Hilda Solis on a national conference call.
• May 31: The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce hosts a round table with Solis in Albuquerque.