The Republican National Committee is formally giving its support to immigration reform -- despite strong objections from some conservative leaders.

Tobias Titz, Getty Images
Tobias Titz, Getty Images
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The move comes as the party makes plans for a $10 million outreach effort to minority groups -- including gay voters. It's part of an effort to make the GOP more "welcoming and inclusive" for minority voters who overwhelmingly backed Democrats last year.

In a report released today, the RNC says focus groups perceive Republicans as "narrow minded," `'out of touch" and "stuffy old men." Party chairman Reince Priebus says the perception of the GOP as "the party of the rich" is still growing.

Priebus is acknowledging that there's a tough road ahead for some immigration reform proposals in the Republican Party. He's refusing to say whether the "comprehensive immigration reform" that's being recommended by party leaders should include a pathway to citizenship.

Some Republicans, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, are working toward a reform plan that is likely to include a way for illegal immigrants to become citizens.

But conservative commentator Ann Coulter told a conservative gathering over the weekend that if illegal immigrants are given "amnesty," then "no Republican will ever win another national election."

 

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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