Romney makes case to Latinos, vows 'reasonable solution' on immigration

By Tom Cohen, CNN

Washington (CNN) - Mitt Romney told Latino business leaders this week in Los Angeles that he is convinced the "Republican Party is the rightful home of Hispanic Americans," but added that "my speech today isn't about my political party."

With good reason.

Unable to close ground on President Barack Obama in the polls, the GOP challenger seeks to woo Hispanic American voters but finds himself hindered by the conservative stance he took on immigration policy in order to win the Republican primary campaign.

Now, his opposition to Obama's popular move this summer to halt deportations of some children of illegal immigrants puts Romney at odds with a majority of Latino voters, especially younger ones in the fastest-growing demographic of the U.S. population.

Facing a highly anticipated appearance on Wednesday at the Univision News "Meet the Candidates" forum in Miami, Romney has struggled to explain his stance on the issue because of the difference between what his party base demands and what most Hispanic Americans want to hear.