U.S. President Barack Obama linked healthcare and immigration reform while speaking at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. (CHCI) dinner in Washington on September 16, 2009. 

"My commitment is real and so is my desire to get this (immigration reform) done," Obama said.  Of healthcare reform, the president said, "We certainly should not let this debate ... get sidetracked."  The President believes Healthcare reform is crucial for Hispanic Americans because reforming the U.S. healthcare system is linked to immigration reform.