Jeb Bush's speech before the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was loudly interrupted on Monday when a group of immigration activists taunted him with chants of "no hope is not our vote."

NBC reports the 2016 Republican presidential candidate was quick to respond, saying, "I believe we need immigration reform. I've been clear about this. I believe that DREAM Act kids should have a path to citizenship."

Throughout his campaign, Bush sought to distinguish himself from other GOP candidates by stressing that he supports a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants. But for many immigration activists, the pledge reeks of tepid support for their cause, prompting another group to also shout down the former Florida governor during his presidential announcement three months ago.

Since then, Bush has been publicly critical of President Barack Obama's executive actions aimed at allowing millions of undocumented immigrants the chance to stay in the country and seek legal citizenship.

The Obama administration recently began pushing a plan that could pave the way for nearly 9 million new legal immigrants to become U.S. citizens. NPR described the campaign as a "multifaceted effort" that includes online citizenship practice tests, the option to pay fees using a credit card, and the airing of public service announcements on Univision.

Overall, the plan is part of the president's Task Force on New Americans plan, which was officially launched last year and included a range of executive actions taken by the administration on the issue of immigration.

Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton has pledged to take the president's actions even further. In the past, the former secretary of state has insisted comprehensive immigration reform "strengthens families, strengthens our economy, and strengthens our country."

She later added, "That's why we can't wait any longer. We can't wait any longer for a path to full and equal citizenship."