Obama to pitch immigration reform now

WASHINGTON, July 1 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama pleads his case for acting on immigration reform this year during a speech Thursday at American University, the White House said.

Obama will discuss the need to correct the immigration system through comprehensive reform during remarks at the university's School of International Service, the daily schedule indicated.

At the White House, Obama will conduct several closed-door meetings, including sessions with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, Vice President Joe Biden and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Obama will have lunch with business leaders and receive his daily briefings and an update on the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

In the afternoon, Obama will sign the Iran sanctions bill in the East Room.

The Women's Professional Soccer champion Sky Blue FC team will be honored for its 2009 season and for winning the inaugural championship.