Christie mum on Obama’s immigration executive order

As Republicans square off with President Barack Obama over immigration reform, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie has remained largely silent on the issue.

Christie deferred comment on the issue before the president signed the executive order on Nov. 21 granting amnesty to missions of illegals.

It's a tricky issue for Christie to navigate as he considers a run for president in 2016.

Christie needs to appear tough on the issue to appeal to the GOP's primary voters, but in doing so, he risks alienating a critical voting block in a general election.

Obama's sweeping changes to the U.S. immigration system could protect 4.1 million people from deportation and make eligible for work permits.  After passing background checks and paying fees, people who are in the U.S. illegally, but whose children are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, would be granted relief from deportation for three years at a time.

Obama's plan also calls for additional resources for border security enforcements.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.