Hispanic lawmakers bolster immigration reform push

WASHINGTON -- Hispanic lawmakers are trying to bolster Democrats' efforts on immigration reform going into the fall elections with a three-part strategy that starts with a meeting at the White House.

New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez, Illinois Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez and Congressional Hispanic Caucus chairwoman Nydia Velasquez of New York will meet with Obama on immigration.

Next week, Democrats will try to pass the DREAM Act allowing young people who attend college or join the military to become legal U.S. residents.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said Tuesday the DREAM Act is long overdue.

Menendez said Wednesday he'll cap the efforts by filing a comprehensive immigration bill in the Senate by the end of the month.