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Getting a major new immigration initiative up and running in less than two months is a challenge. But much of the policy will be built on an existing program. Chu confirmed reports that the president would be expanding DACA to adults with the overarching goal making sure "that it is felons deported, not families." Altogether, an estimated 4 million to 5 million people could be affected, Chu said.

Obama "was very serious about his commitment to immigration reform," Chu said after the dinner, where attendees ate fennel salad and a beef main course. "He said that there were those that said he should wait until after the budget bill … but he just felt that he owed it to all of those who have been waiting all this time to do something."

"Basically, giving them a way to earn their legal status," Chu said, noting that the change could affect nearly 4 million people already living in the United States. "It's not a green card, but they can get a work permit."

Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.), who chairs the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and attended Wednesday night's dinner, said the president "was very clear on the fact that we have to do this now and remain strong through this process."