WASHINGTON (AP) — Expecting an outpouring of Republican criticism, President Barack Obama is firing up an effort to gain support for his executive actions on immigration.

Obama is starting with a rally today in Las Vegas and the White House is enlisting the aid of immigrant advocacy groups.

The plan would make nearly 5 million immigrants living illegally in the United States eligible for work permits and protection from deportation.

Republicans plan to respond this morning to President Barack Obama's changes in the immigration system that could shield from deportation some 5 million people living illegally in the U.S.

Republican House Speaker John Boehner has scheduled a news conference.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy calls Obama's executive order that also grants eligible immigrants work permits, is a "brazen power grab."

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