"We should be working on comprehensive immigration

reform right now. But if election-year politics keeps Congress from acting on a comprehensive plan, let's at least agree to stop expelling responsible young people who want to staff our labs, start new businesses, and defend this country," Obama said in his State of the Union Address to the Congress.

"Send me a law that gives them the chance to earn their citizenship. I will sign it right away," Obama told the Congress.

"Let's also remember that hundreds of thousands of talented, hardworking students in this country face another challenge: The fact that they aren't yet American citizens. Many were brought here as small children, are American through and through, yet they live every day with the threat of deportation," he said.

"Others came more recently, to study business and science and engineering, but as soon as they get their degree, we send them home to invent new products and create new jobs somewhere else. That doesn't make sense," Obama said.

Obama said the US should support everyone who's willing to work; and every risk-taker and entrepreneur who aspires to become the next Steve Jobs.

"After all, innovation is what America has always been about. Most new jobs are created in start-ups and small businesses. So let's pass an agenda that helps them succeed.

Tear down regulations that prevent aspiring entrepreneurs from getting the financing to grow," he said.

"Expand tax relief to small businesses that are raising wages and creating good jobs. Both parties agree on these ideas. So put them in a bill, and get it on my desk this year," he said.

Noting that innovation also demands basic research, Obama said today, the discoveries taking place in our federally-financed labs and universities could lead to new treatments that kill cancer cells but leave healthy ones untouched.

"New lightweight vests for cops and soldiers that can stop any bullet. Don't gut these investments in our budget. Don't let other countries win the race for the future.