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WASHINGTON — Just days before Congress takes its annual Independence Day recess, President Barack Obama on Thursday challenged lawmakers to pass comprehensive immigration reform. The president was careful to avoid extremes, outlining a plan advocating enforcement of laws as well as a smoother path to citizenship. The audience at American University included politicians, as well as leaders from business, religious and Hispanic communities.

Despite increased attention on immigration in the wake of Arizona’s controversial law, passage of comprehensive reform is unlikely. With midterm elections quickly approaching, most legislators are not interested in tackling an issue as charged as immigration reform.

Read the McClatchy Washington story here