At the House's first immigration hearing Tuesday, some Republicans also proposed introducing immigration reform measures piecemeal, rather than as part of a large comprehensive deal.

Watching the hearing, Becerra said he at least saw lawmakers prepared to tackle the hot-button issue of immigration.

"While maybe some may have listened to that hearing and said the Republicans aren't yet ready to go beyond DREAM Act, I heard something very different. I didn't hear Republicans saying it was impossible," he said.

Even more encouraging, he said, were conversations he's had in private with Republican colleagues, who Becerra believes "are ready for comprehensive immigration reform."