Mitt Romney the Republican presumptive presidential nominee has accused President Barack Obama of political motivation in his policy change on immigration. David Plouffe a senior adviser at the White House said the change was not a political move but instead a decision of enforcement discretion by Homeland Security.

Up to 800,000 illegal immigrants could benefit from the new change in policy. They could be eligible for work permits under the change. Romney, in an interview on the CBS show Face the Nation, said he questions the timing of Obama. Asked if he considered the change in policy to be politically motivated, Romney said that looked as if it were a big part of the equation.

Many feel the move by Obama was aimed at the Hispanic community since the majority of those who would benefit are Hispanic. Observers feel that the Hispanic vote is crucial for the reelection of Obama. The rate of deportations has increased in Obama’s term and by instituting the change in immigration, he can at least stop the deporting of nearly 400,000 immigrants each year.

Earlier in the year, Romney said he was in favor of self-deportation where illegal immigrants leave the country on their own due to restrictions in employment. Plouffe said the decision by the administration means the immigration focus can now be where it should be – on criminals, those that can endanger people in the community.