Peter King in Politico.com

On Immigration: Secure border plus a pathway to citizenship

In the missive, dated April 23, King tells Boehner that a "confluence of events" makes immigration reform possible, including a path to citizenship coupled with "strong and real" border security and enforcement measures: "It would be in our country's national interest as well as the interest of our party if this could be achieved," King wrote.

King calls for the "strongest language" possible that would compel President Barack Obama and future administrations to comply with whatever border-security laws that lawmakers write. Security measures included in the Senate Gang of Eight bill, as well as a separate House border-security bill passed through a House committee last year, provide a "good base" to start from, he said.

On Immigration: Don't reward illegal behavior, but can't deport 11 million

"As to the issues of legalization and citizenship for undocumented immigrants, I fully understand and appreciate the argument that illegal behavior should not be rewarded," King wrote. "The reality though is that we are not going to deport 11 million immigrants."

The letter, which has not been widely released, was obtained by POLITICO and confirmed by King's office.