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Politics

Bush urges immigration bill passage

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published June 2, 2007

WASHINGTON - President Bush challenged lawmakers on Friday to pass an immigration bill that would legalize millions of unlawful immigrants despite the harsh criticism they're hearing from voters and interest groups on both sides of the issue.

It was Bush's second personal plea in a week for support on the initiative - one of his top domestic priorities - part of a multifront effort by his administration to bolster lawmakers in both parties as the Senate resumes a searing debate on immigration.

"No matter how difficult it may seem for some politically, I strongly believe it's in this nation's interest for people here in Washington to show courage and resolve and pass a comprehensive immigration reform, " Bush told a group of activists, lobbyists and analysts who have pushed for an overhaul.

Lawmakers, at home during a weeklong recess, are hearing from conservatives who decry the measure as overly lenient and from liberals who are clamoring for its passage even as they complain it is filled with problems.

Bush acknowledged those gripes, but he added: "The question people have to answer is, are we going to sacrifice the good for the sake of the perfect?"

The president also took on those - mostly in his own party - who say the bill as amnesty for lawbreakers.

"This bill isn't amnesty, " Bush said. "For those who call it amnesty, they're just trying to, in my judgment, frighten people about the bill. This bill is one that says we recognize that you're here illegally and there's a consequence for it."

The legislation is the product of a bipartisan bargain that beefs up border security, mandates a verification system to prevent employers from hiring illegal immigrants and creates a new temporary worker system. It would institute a new point scheme for evaluating future would-be immigrants that prioritizes job qualifications over family ties.

Two Cabinet members who helped with the agreement, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, also are pressing hard for its passage.

After Bush's remarks Friday, they urged the immigration activists and lobbyists to support the measure despite their many objections, according to attendees.

[Last modified June 2, 2007, 02:12:38]