Johnson: Immigration Changes 'Simple Common Sense'

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says new immigration changes announced by President Barack Obama amount to "simple common sense."

Johnson defends the policies in testimony prepared for a House Homeland Security Committee hearing Tuesday. Obama's executive actions will shield millions of immigrants here illegally from deportation.

The panel's chairman, Republican Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, says Obama's actions are unconstitutional. He says he will do everything he can to stop them.

Johnson's appearance on Capitol Hill comes as he's emerged as a leading candidate to replace outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. Johnson's role in crafting the immigration changes could complicate that, since Republicans are opposed. But Johnson takes credit for the policies, saying he recommended them to Obama.