Keywords: rubio, warn, obama, immigration reform, enforcement, first
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), a leading advocate for responsible immigration reform responded directly to reports the president is opposing a requirement to shore up border security before legalizing up to 11 million illegal immigrants.
"I think that would be a terrible mistake," Rubio told Fox News. "We have a bipartisan group of senators that have agreed to that. For the president to try to move the goalposts on that specific requirement, as an example, does not bode well in terms of what his role's going to be in this or the outcome."
Rubio, who is a member of the bipartisan group of eight senators who just yesterday introduced an outline to reforming the nation's immigration policy, said border security is paramount to his supporting immigration reform.
"If that's not in the bill, I won't support it," he said.
Watch Rubio's interview regarding immigration reform on Lou Dobbs Tonight
According to Fox News, Rubio was responding to reports that the president will offer his vision for immigration reform, which does hinge on increased border security.
Initial response from the White House regarding the Senate proposal was warm, but hinted at further massaging down the road.
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said, "This is an important first step. ... We need to continue the movement."
However, the measure whether it includes enforcement measures first or not is drawing mixed reaction among Republican lawmakers in the House.
"No one should be surprised that individuals who have supported amnesty in the past still support amnesty," Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, said. "By granting amnesty, the Senate proposal actually compounds the problem by encouraging more illegal immigration."
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), a leading advocate for responsible immigration reform responded directly to reports the president is opposing a requirement to shore up border security before legalizing up to 11 million illegal immigrants. 
