>> reporter: it's a message to hispanic voters that helped him win the white house in 2008 and back in play for 2012. >> the republicans step forward and unveil a plan to get this job dn and do something in a fair and comprehensive manner, they have a great opportunity to reach out to the hispanic population. >> reporter: supporters say the sprez doing what he can. >> the president can't single-handedly pen and immigration bill and sign it. >> reporter: critics say too little, too late. >> he promised during the 2008 campaign as candidate obama he would make immigration reform a top priority in the first year. he did not. >> reporter: it is a tougher climb now with more republicans in the house and senate. >> until the border is secure, any hope of additional legislation dealing with immigration problem is not likely to succeed in the congress. >> reporter: the president tower toured a border he said is more secure than ever. but he acknowledges that won't satisfy everyone. >> maybe they'll need a mote. maybe they'll want alligators in the mote. >> reporter: drawing a line at