President Barack Obama is indicating he could be open to immigration legislation that does not include a special pathway to citizenship for the 11 million people already in the U.S. illegally.

In an interview with CNN, Obama reiterated his preference for including a route to citizenship in a comprehensive bill. But he says he doesn’t want to prejudge legislation where people get legal status and then go into the regular citizenship process.

Obama says he would also have to consult immigration advocacy groups to see what they would want in final legislation.

House Republicans released immigration principles Thursday that include legalization, but not a special pathway to citizenship. Obama says he is encouraged that some Republicans appear to want to address immigration issues.

(AP)