ALBUQUERQUE — Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama wants New Mexicans to know that, if elected, he would empower American Indian leaders by bringing them to the table at the White House and he would provide a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants.

Obama spoke to a crowd of about 2,300 people at an "Economic Summit" at the Albuquerque Convention Center on Friday, where he listened to a panel of experts that included former Attorney General Patricia Madrid and took questions from the audience.

Outside the packed summit, another 2,200 people listened to his speech or heard Obama give an impromptu talk as entered the center. The Albuquerque Fire Marshal Office estimated the size of the crowd.

The rowdy crowd inside broke into chants of "Obama" and did the wave ahead of his arrival, and as he entered, some surged forward to try to shake his hand or take family photos with him in the background.

In one of the most impoverished states in the nation, the Illinois senator spoke about short-term solutions to ease fears of a slowing economy and long-term proposals to end the inequities between the rich and poor.

"Long before this fear and concern hit Wall Street and Washington, it hit the kitchen tables in Albuquerque and all across America," Obama said.

Obama said he supports sending each working family a $500 tax cut and a $250 supplement to each senior's Social Security check, amounts that would double should the economy worsen.

"Neither George Bush nor Hillary Clinton had that kind of immediate relief in their original stimulus proposals," he said.

To help people affected by the national housing crisis, Obama's proposals included a fund to provide direct relief to those suffering from mortgage fraud and provide homeowners a tax credit that would cover 10 percent of a family's mortgage payment each year.

Obama also offered a tax cut for the middle class of $1,000 for up to 95 percent of all working families and eliminate income taxes for every retiree making up to $50,000 a year.

Asked about the immigration issue, Obama said he would support sufficient border security so that people are not crossing with impunity, he would monitor people who are overstaying their visas and deal with employers who take advantage of undocumented workers and undermine wages.

In a nod to New Mexico's governor, who has not endorsed either of the candidates, Obama said "Bill Richardson has shown great leadership on this" issue.

Obama said the 12 million people who are in the United States illegally need to have a way to become citizens, but he would require them to go to the back of the line so that they don't jump ahead of those who have applied to come here legally.

"We want them out of the shadows, we want them registered," he said. "The notion that we're going to ship people back, that's not who we are as a country."

Answering a question from Everett Chavez, former governor of Santo Domingo Pueblo, Obama said he would devote more money to the tribes for schools, health care and fighting substance abuse.

"As president of the United States, I'm not just going to have a Bureau of Indian Affairs that is off on the sidelines somewhere and basically is a flak-catcher for the native peoples. I'm going to have an annual summit with Native American leaders," he said.

He said he would work to lift the economic, social and health conditions of American Indians "in a way that is respectful of tribal sovereignty and the traditions and the cultures of the people."

Obama has a way to go in getting American Indian support in New Mexico. Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. and former Navajo leader Peterson Zah have both endorsed Obama's opponent, Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Obama's appearance will be followed by Clinton, who will speak at an Albuquerque high school this evening as part of her "Solutions for America" tour. Clinton will also hold a town hall meeting Monday night that will be televised to 21 Super Tuesday cities, including Albuquerque.

Until Friday, New Mexico Democrats had yet to see the presidential candidates on their home turf. New Mexico is one of 22 states that will hold presidential nominating contests on Tuesday.

Vicki Maenchen, 55, of Albuquerque said she was leaning toward supporting Obama, though she would like to see a woman become president.

"He's young and energetic, and he's got a lot of great ideas," she said. "I don't think my generation has done all that well, and I'd like to see things handled a little better."

Nick Rimmer, 25, of Albuquerque said he supports Obama, but thinks there's little difference between Obama and Clinton on the issues.

"It's probably the change thing," he said to explain why he favors Obama. "The whole Bush/Clinton dynasty that's been going on for 20 years now, I just feel the need to get away from that."