Obama: There’s a ‘very narrow window’ to get immigration reform done

President Barack Obama said Tuesday there’s a “very narrow window” to get immigration reform legislation approved in the GOP-controlled House this year.

At most, he said there are two or three months left to “get the ball rolling” on immigration reform.

“The closer we get to mid-term elections the harder it will be to get things done,” Obama said during a meeting with more than 40 law enforcement officials at the White House on Tuesday.

Joining the president during the meeting were several administration officials, including Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, who is currently reviewing immigration policies to find ways to make modifications. In March, Obama directed Johnson to find “more humanely” ways to carry out enforcement efforts.

SEE ALSO: Biden: It is time for Republicans to stand up for immigration

Obama spoke to the group of law enforcement officials for about 10 minutes. He spoke to the group about how the current immigration system is stopping police officers from “chasing gang bangers and going after violent criminals.” He added it is also making it harder for law enforcement to know when dangerous people cross the border.

“The immigration system that we have right now makes it harder, not easier, for law enforcement agencies to do their jobs,” the president said.

He also urged them to push for immigration reform, saying that hearing law enforcement officers advocate for the issue “lends this overall effort great credibility.”

Tuesday’s meeting is the latest in a series of meetings over immigration reform between administration officials and stakeholders.

It also comes a day after House Speaker John Boehner said that “the vast majority” of House Republicans want to deal with immigration reform. However, the Republican leaders also said there is still some opposition among his colleagues.

He added that while he feels “strongly” about the need to deal with immigration reform, he must first get his colleagues’ consent before moving the issue forward in the House.

“I’m elected by my colleagues,” he said. “I need to work with my colleagues and bring them along.

SEE ALSO: Boehner says ‘vast majority’ of Republicans want immigration reform