President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is open to legal status for some undocumented immigrants and may call for a compromise immigration bill in his speech to a joint session of Congress.

"The time is right for an immigration bill if both sides are willing to compromise," Trump told reporters.

It is not clear what exactly Trump would want to see in the bill or that he would definitely seek new legislation. Still, his remark signals a stark shift from the crackdown on illegal immigration he promised on the campaign trail and has sought through his actions as president so far.

Trump said he would be open to legal status for undocumented immigrants who have not committed serious crimes. They would not need to leave the country first.