Immigration is a driving force in American economy, US President Barack Obama said today as he called on the Congress to pass the immigration reform bill which would provide pathway to citizenship to millions of undocumented workers from countries like India.        

"Immigration isn't just part of our national character; it is a driving force in our economy that creates jobs and prosperity for all of our citizens," Obama said at a White House event on immigration ahead of the Senate consideration of the comprehensive immigration reform bill.        

"In recent years one in four of America's new small-business owners were immigrants. One in four high-tech startups in America were founded by immigrants. Forty per cent of Fortune 500 companies were started by a first-or second-generation American. Think about that.        

Over the past two decades, Obama said, the immigration system hasn't kept pace with changing times and hasn't matched up with US' most cherished values.