DHAKA: US President Barack Obama unveiled his highly anticipated immigration plan, saying lifting the threat of expulsion from 5 million undocumented migrants would make the system "more fair and just."

And, while he stressed migrants will not get "a free pass to American citizenship" without taking the proper steps, Obama said that "rounding up and deporting millions of people isn't realistic."

He made the disclosure during a television speech aired from the Washington DC on Thursday (local time).

Obama said: "My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants."

However, Obama's executive order shifts from a dragnet approach to re-prioritizing the deportation focus on convicted felons and those who pose a danger to society.

It will affect about 44 percent of the 11.3 million people, living in the shadows.

However, those living and working illegally in the country and who meet the criteria can apply for deferred deportation from next spring, the White House said.

For much of this year Republicans have warned that unilateral action on immigration would be an illegal and unconstitutional amnesty of millions of undocumented people.

BDST: 0751 HRS, NOV 21, 2014