EL PASO, Texas -- Immigration reform is next on the to-do list for the Obama administration. The president is expected to push for landmark changes in policy as early as next month. The Border Network for Human Rights in El Paso finds those plans "refreshing and energizing."

"We have a broken system that needs to be fixed," said Fernando Garcia, director of BNHR. "I think this is the moment for us to do it."

Those are the president's thoughts too. With a estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States, Obama wants to develop a path to legalization.

"To get millions of workers out of the shadows and legalize them this year," said Garcia.

But Republican U.S. Rep. Steve King of Iowa considers that amnesty. He made a statement that it's "a dangerous path for our nation that will sacrifice the rule of law."

Garcia said that's simply not true.

"There's going to be some requirements," said Garcia. "People might actually, might go through certain steps, might pay some actual fines. That's why it's not an amnesty."

Garcia believes many will be willing to take those steps.

"I think they will do it because they know that they live here, their future is here, their kids are here," said Garcia. "So I think that might be something that they're willing to do."

But it may take some time. The Obama administration is not promising any legislation or a vote this year.

Along with developing a path to legalization, the Obama administration wants to toughen border security and work with Mexico to cut down on illegal immigration. The president plans to visit Mexico next week.