Obama, faith leaders discuss immigration

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WASHINGTON, March 8 (UPI) -- U.S. President Obama reiterated the need for Congress to pass bipartisan immigration reform Friday when he met with faith leaders, the White House said.

Among other things, "the president reiterated his strong commitment to a pathway to earn citizenship for undocumented immigrants," deputy press secretary Josh Earnest said of the closed-door meeting at the White House.

Obama also emphasized his administration's cracking down on employers "who exploit vulnerable immigrant workers and undermine -- let me say that again -- who exploit vulnerable immigrant workers and undermine American workers, and continuing to strengthen our border security," Earnest said.

Obama thanked the religious leaders for their work on the immigration issue and looks forward as the immigration debate moves forward in Congress, Earnest said.

Members of his senior staff joined Obama in the meeting, Earnest said.