When Congress attempted to pass a bipartisan immigration reform bill in 2013, Rubio started off as a member of the Gang of Eight—four Republicans and four Democrats who worked together on a deal. However, as the deal grew more unpopular the with Republican base, Rubio threatened to withdraw his support if the deal’s border regulations weren’t strengthened.

Eventually he withdrew his support and argued that it was impractical to pass one giant bill, especially while President Obama is still in office, a position he holds today. ”I honestly believe that the key to moving forward on immigration is to first and foremost prove to the American people that we are going to bring future immigration under control,” Rubio told NPR.

Rubio went on to say that the GOP’s problem with minority voters is that it has been portrayed as a party that doesn’t care about people trying to make it in America. “I don’t think people go to the ballot box and say I’m a Latino therefore I’m voting Democrat,” he said. “I think they bring with them their hopes and dreams about the future and they vote for whoever they think best understands it.”