Democrat Barack Obama promised Hispanic Americans, a key voting bloc, to press for immigration reform and improved access to health care in his first year, if elected to the White House.


"The system isn't working when 12 million people live in hiding, and hundreds of thousands cross our borders illegally each year," Obama told the 40th annual National Council of La Raza convention, an influential Latino group.


In his 30-minute speech, Obama vowed to "take on the drug and insurance companies, cut costs, guarantee health insurance for anyone who needs it and make it affordable for anyone who wants it."


He also said he has a plan to "help more employers provide health benefits for their workers," adding it was an "idea championed by my friend Hillary Clinton, who's been leading the way in our battle to insure every American."


"But I can't do this alone, so I'm here today to ask for your help," he said.


"Just think how powerful you could be on November 4th if you translate your numbers into votes," he added.


His rival, McCain, is set to address the convention on Monday.