Obama calls for April debate on immigration bill

WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama says he expects Congress to take up debate on an immigration bill next month so that he can sign it into law as soon as possible.

Obama's challenge came at a White House citizenship ceremony for 28 immigrants hailing from more than two dozen countries. Thirteen were members of the U.S. military.

Obama said immigration makes the country stronger. But he said the country needs to do a better job of welcoming the best and the brightest from around the world.

Obama said the country needs to modernize the legal immigration system and give illegal immigrants already here a way to become citizens. His proposal also includes stronger border security and employer enforcement.