“The president can show the Republicans he is not waiting to bring the country in line with our national values,” said B. Loewe of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, among the most active groups pushing the White House. He said that while Mr. Obama has pressed for legislation, advocates wonder: “Is he a reformer or is he the deporter-in-chief.”…

The issue will gain fresh attention this spring, when the Obama administration is expected to deport its two millionth person from the U.S., based on previously reported deportation rates. To mark the milestone, advocates plan a “national day of action” for April 5 with rallies in dozens of cities around the theme of “two million too many.” And on Presidents Day this month, faith leaders plan a civil disobedience event at the White House to protest deportations.

Immigration advocates are divided on this approach, and those based in Washington in particular have kept a focus on Congress. “Inevitably more and more advocates will be calling on the president to step in to roll back” deportations, said Frank Sharry, who heads America’s Voice, a group pressing for an immigration overhaul. He said this pressure is “a bit premature” and that advocates should continue to press Republicans on Capitol Hill.