Barack Obama defends US immigration reform pledge

US President Barack Obama has defended plans to use his overriding executive powers to push through changes to the nation's immigration system.

He said Congress has been given ample opportunity to come up with its own plan but had failed to act.

However Republicans in Congress say such action is beyond Mr Obama's authority.

His remarks follow media reports that he plans to extend protection from deportation, affecting as many as five million immigrants.

BBC