Citing concerns that illegal aliens are facing increased opposition from U.S. natives worried about employment, MS-13 gang activity, and strained social services, President Obama launched his new "Undocumented Americans" initiative in a sparsely attended Rose Garden ceremony.

The president read from a prepared statement using his trademark twin teleprompters, asserting "…it is imperative that Undocumented Americans be granted collective bargaining rights" that will "force employers to take their demands seriously". Obama also noted that it would "level the playing field with documented Americans in the interest of global fairness."