White House postpones immigration meeting

WASHINGTON, June 13 (UPI) -- A White House meeting on U.S. immigration policy, already postponed once, has been put off again, with no new date set.

The meeting's purpose is to launch the Obama administration's push for immigration reform, The Hill reported Friday. It was to include congressional leaders.

After being scheduled for June 8, last Monday, it was rescheduled for June 17, next Wednesday. The indefinite delay suggests President Barack Obama and his staff are finding immigration more difficult than they expected, the report said.

Former President George W. Bush attempted a reform that would have combined increased border security with a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants who meet certain requirements. He was stymied by congressional Republicans.

Ann Navarro, a Florida Republican, said the continual delay could hurt Obama politically.

"It is no surprise that so many Republicans on the Hill don't think Obama is serious about leading on immigration and looking for cover," Navarro said. "If the Latino groups want to see this get done, they need to hold his feet to the fire."