President Donald Trump has promised a “renewal of the American spirit”, in his first speech to Congress.
The president said a “new surge of optimism is placing impossible dreams firmly within our grasp”, opening a “new chapter of American greatness”.
Mr Trump condemned recent vandalism of Jewish cemeteries and a hate crime in Kansas that left an Indian man dead.
His primetime address aims to boost his low approval ratings after a bumpy start to his presidency.
In Tuesday night’s speech, Mr Trump said of recent alleged hate crimes, “we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its very ugly forms”.
He also touted his decisions to withdraw the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal and order work to start on a wall along the US-Mexico border.
He added that “real and positive immigration reform” was possible through improving jobs, security and respect for law.
“By finally enforcing our immigration laws, we will raise wages, help the unemployed, save billions of dollars, and make our communities safer for everyone,” he told lawmakers.
Mr Trump also railed against the “radical Islamic terrorism” of the so-called Islamic State.
He drew some of the loudest applause when he pledged to “extinguish this vile enemy from our planet”.
The president’s remarks were also cheered when he urged Congress to “act decisively” to repeal and replace Obamacare.
Despite the Republican president’s appeal for both main parties to “unite for the good of our country”, Democratic lawmakers remained seated for the standing ovations and some openly laughed at parts.
The president’s political honeymoon has been soured by acrimonious spats with the media and the intelligence community, a high-profile court defeat to his controversial travel ban, and the firing of a top aide.
National Security Adviser Michael Flynn was forced to quit after it emerged he had discussed US sanctions with a Russian diplomat and misled the White House about the conversations.
Some 44% of Americans think Mr Trump is doing a good job, according to the RealClearPolitics poll average, a historic low for modern presidents after a month in office.
In a Fox News interview broadcast earlier on Tuesday, Mr Trump gave himself an overall “A plus” for effort, but added that “in terms of messaging, I would give myself a C or a C plus”.
Among US First Lady Melania Trump’s guests on Tuesday night were three California residents whose relatives were killed by people in the US illegally.
At least a dozen Democrats have brought as their guests young undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children.
Meanwhile, television personality Rosie O’Donnell – who has long feuded with Mr Trump – hosted a rally against him outside the White House.
Former Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear is due to deliver the Democratic rebuttal to President Trump’s address.
He is expected to say Republicans plan to “rip affordable health insurance” away from those who most need it.
