Obamas visit activists fasting for immigration

President Barack Obama, left, listens to Eliseo Medina, right, Secretary-Treasurer of Service Employees International Union (SEIU), as he meets with individuals who are taking part in Fast for Families on the National Mall in Washington, Friday, Nov. 29, 2013. Obama met with the group who are fasting on behalf of immigration reform. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

ASSOCIATED PRESS

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama visit with individuals who are taking part in Fast for Families on the National Mall in Washington.

WASHINGTON — President Obama has visited the activists who are fasting to protest House inaction on immigration legislation.

On the day after Thanksgiving Obama stopped by a white tent on the National Mall where some activists have shunned all food except water for the past 18 days. A top labor organizer is among them.

Obama told the activists that he appreciated their efforts. He also reiterated his view that there is still time this year for the House to pass legislation.

House Speaker John Boehner has refused to schedule votes on a comprehensive immigration measure the Senate passed this summer.

Boehner has opted for a piecemeal approach. But that process has moved too slowly to satisfy immigration advocates.

Obama was accompanied by First Lady Michelle Obama. Vice President Joe Biden visited the activists last week.