WASHINGTON, Jumada I 26, 1436, Mar. 17, 2015, SPA -- US President Barack Obama promoted US-Irish ties on Saint Patrick’s Day Tuesday as proof of America’s immigrant-friendly tradition. Obama hosted Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny, known in Ireland as the Taoiseach, at the White House for their yearly Saint Patrick’s Day meeting, then accompanied him to the annual Friends of Ireland luncheon at the Capitol. Obama defended the executive steps he has taken to save millions in the United States from deportation, while acknowledging that due to a Republican lawsuit, those actions are “currently tied up in the courts.” “We share the view that one of the great strengths of the U.S. has always been its willingness to welcome new immigrants to our shores,” Obama said. “That’s what’s made us unique and special.” --SPA 22:33 LOCAL TIME 19:33 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w