Yes, he really said that.

(Politico) — Vice President Joe Biden compared Irish immigration the United States to Hispanic immigration — but noted Hispanics were here first.

Biden on Thursday hosted the annual Hispanic Heritage Month reception at the Naval Observatory. Guests included about 100 Hispanic veterans, active duty service members, elected officials and others. The music was classical Mexican.

“You all were here before us,” Biden said, according to a pool report.

Biden noted his own background as the descendant of Irish immigrants, saying, “We come from a similar circumstance. It’s about family it’s about faith and it’s about basic things.”

The event coincides with a stepped-up effort by the administration to improve relations with Hispanic voters. Once among President Obama’s most enthusiastic constituencies, Hispanic support for the administration has flagged with the stall-out of immigration reform and other key priorities.