Few issues in the United States are as controversial
as illegal immigration.
Everyone agrees there is a problem, but there is little consensus on
the answer, and various proposals are vying for attention.
President Bush says the best way is a
comprehensive approach that includes tougher border security, enhanced
enforcement, and a guest worker
program.
"A temporary worker program is vital to securing
our border," Mr. Bush says. "By creating a separate legal channel for
those entering America to do an honest day's labor, we would
dramatically reduce the number of people trying to sneak
back and forth across the border."
But there are members of Congress, including many from border states,
who say a guest worker program is not the answer. Their view has dominated
debate in the House of Representatives, where members voted last December
to approve a plan that focuses on enforcement, and declares illegal
immigration to be a felony.
With the Senate about to take up the issue, immigration advocates
staged protests this past weekend in cities across the country. More than
half a million demonstrators took to the streets in Los Angeles, with
smaller rallies in places like Phoenix, Denver and Dallas.
President Bush says there are passions on all sides, and acknowledges
the task of drafting immigration reform legislation is not easy. But he
stresses it must be done.
"It will require all of us in Washington to make tough choices and make
compromises," Mr. Bush says. "And that is exactly what the American people
sent us here to do."
The president is urging all participants in the
debate to keep their emotions in check
, and warns against any attempts to inflame
anti-immigrant passions in the country.
"The immigration debate should be conducted in a civil, dignified way,"
Mr. Bush says. "No one should play on people's fears or try to pit
neighbors against each other. No one should pretend that immigrants are a
threat to America's identity, because immigrants have shaped America's
identity."
Mr. Bush made the remarks at a naturalization ceremony for a group of
new American citizens.
He said as the nation deals with the issue of illegal immigration, it
must balance two core values.
"All of you are here because you followed the rules and you waited your
turn in the citizenship line," Mr. Bush says. "Yet some violate our
immigration laws and enter our country illegally and that undermines the
system for all of us. America should not have to choose between being a
welcoming society and being a lawful society. We can be both at the same
time."
He spoke as members of the Senate Judiciary Committee began
consideration of several competing immigration proposals. |