President Obama defended himself against critics who him the "deporter-in-chief" by reiterating his support for immigration reform.

While speaking at a Hispanic town hall meeting Thursday, Obama said the real solution to the deportation situation is to have an overhaul of U.S. immigration laws, USA Today reports.

He also told the audience: "I am the champion-in-chief of comprehensive immigration reform."

Yet, while the Senate-passed bill sits dormant in the House, he said the law requires deportations of immigrants who are currently in the U.S. illegally. "Until Congress passes new laws, I am constrained in what I'm able to do," he said.

Obama's high number of deportations is prompting many Latinos to criticize President Obama, many of whom supported him during the last presidential election.

Obama was named "deporter-in-chief" by Janet Murguia, the president of the National Council of La Raza.

During the town hall, one moderator told Obama, "your reputation has been tarnished among Latinos over deportations ... How can you ask the Latino community to trust you?"

Obama defended his support for the Latino community by citing his record on immigration, healthcare and housing. "I think the community would understand that I've got their back and I'm fighting for them," the president said.

Currently, Obama has his hands tied in regard to comprehensive immigration reform. The GOP recently released a set of principles for immigration reform, but the bill has not come to a vote because House Speaker John Boehner said he is not convinced that Obama will enforce the new immigration laws.

President Obama, in addition to the Chamber of Commerce and immigrant advocate groups, continues to urge the House to move forward on reform.