WASHINGTON -- Mitt Romney criticized President Barack Obama Sunday for failing to pass long-term immigration reform through Congress, but he repeatedly refused to say whether he would overturn Obama's decision to end deportations for some young undocumented immigrants if he becomes president.

"First of all, we have to secure the border, we need to have an employment verification system, to make sure that those that are working here in this country are here legally," Romney said in an interview with "Face the Nation" on CBS. "And then, with regards to these kids who were brought in by their parents through no fault of their own, there needs to be a long-term solution so they know what their status is."

He criticized Obama for "jump[ing] in" and implementing a "stop-gap measure," despite the fact that Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) had been working on legislation to address the issue.

Host Bob Schieffer asked Romney three times whether he would repeal Obama's directive as president.

The first time, Romney ignored the question. The second time, he said it would be a non-issue because he would be able to pass long-term immigration reform through Congress quickly -- something that President George W. Bush was unable to do, in large part because of opposition from his own party.

"Well, it would be overtaken by events if you will, by virtue of my putting in place a long-term solution, with legislation which creates law that relates to these individuals such that they know what their setting is going to be, not just for the term of a president but on a permanent basis," said Romney.