Immigration pushed back by other issues

WASHINGTON, March 12 (UPI) -- Immigration reform is important to U.S. President Obama but it's not at the top of his policy agenda right now, press secretary Robert Gibbs said.

Gibbs said financial regulations and enacting a law that would bar unlimited corporate campaign involvement were the "big priorities for the president after we get healthcare done."

Immigration reform and a comprehensive energy bill are important to Obama, but aren't part of his focus as the midterm elections approach, Gibbs said.

Obama met with several activists at the White House Thursday, telling one participant that he would like to see bipartisan support to move the immigration issue along, but wouldn't promise to pursue legislation this year, The Hill reported Friday.

Last summer, Obama said he would pursue immigration reform this year.

The current immigration system is "unworkable and unsustainable," Gibbs said, but it would require a significant bipartisan effort to get something passed. Developing a bipartisan plan are Sens. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who updated Obama Thursday on their work.

After meeting with three groups to discuss immigration reform, Obama said he remained strongly committed "to fixing the broken immigration system."

"I told both the senators and the community leaders that my commitment to comprehensive immigration reform is unwavering," Obama said, "and that I will continue to be their partner in this important effort."