Obama Speaks at Cinco de Mayo Reception May 5 2011

Obama at Cinco de Mayo Reception Says Immigration Reform Begins This Year

The Obamas hosted a Cinco de Mayo celebration at the White House.

Obama acknowledged the Phoenix Suns playing as the Los Suns today. Robert Sarver, the owner of the Suns, has criticized Arizona's new immigration law. All the players were game to play in Los Suns jerseys. Obama also said immigration reform begins this year:

Correcting any impression that he isn’t committed to comprehensive immigration reform, the president pledged “to begin work this year” on legislation – “and I want Democrats and Republicans with me,” he added – so the U.S. would be both “a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants.” ABC

Obama Speaks on Eve of Cinco de Mayo

"Welcome to Cinco de Cuatro — Cinco de Mayo at the White House," said Obama, in what appeared to be an attempt to note they were celebrating on the fourth of May instead of the fifth.
Cinco de cuatro means "five of four" in Spanish.
"We are a day early, but we always like to get a head start here at the Obama White House," he said.
During the presidential campaign, Obama acknowledged his Spanish skills weren't great.
"My accent's always been good," he said. "It's just that I only know 15 words."
The holiday, which marks the Mexican troops' defeat of the French on May 5, 1862, was overshadowed by a swine-flu outbreak that started in Mexico and has spread around the world.
Obama pledged to work with Mexican officials to fight the swine flu and drug wars, using the early Cinco de Mayo celebration to underscore the challenges facing the neighboring countries.
"I know it's a tough time, on both sides of the border," Obama told lawmakers and other guests. AP