Bush promises to fight for changes proposed in bill
By RON HUTCHESON
McClatchy Newspapers
Posted on Wed, May. 30, 2007
star-telegram.com
President Bush on Tuesday expressed his determination to fight for changes that would let millions of illegal immigrants gain legal status. He cast the debate as a struggle over America's soul and its reputation as a welcoming nation.
"I'm deeply concerned about America losing its soul. Immigration has been the lifeblood of a lot of our country's history," the president said during an exclusive interview with McClatchy Newspapers on Air Force One. "I am worried that a backlash to newcomers would cause our country to lose its great capacity to assimilate newcomers."
Bush underscored his commitment to the proposed overhaul -- despite harsh criticism from some conservatives -- as he traveled to Georgia for a speech that blasted the legislation's critics.
"I'm sure you've heard some of the talk out there about people defining the bill. It's clear they hadn't read the bill. They're speculating about what the bill says, and they're trying to rile up people's emotions," he told an audience at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, near Brunswick. "If you want to kill the bill, if you don't want to do what's right for America, you can pick one little aspect out of it, you can use it to frighten people. Or you can show leadership and solve this problem once and for all."
Conservative critics contend the proposal amounts to an amnesty program because illegal immigrants would be allowed to stay in the country after paying $1,000 fines. Some liberals complain that plans for a new temporary worker program are overly restrictive and would create a permanent underclass of foreign workers.
Sitting in his spacious office on the presidential aircraft, Bush traced his commitment to immigration to his time in Texas. "When you grow up in Texas like I did, you recognize the decency and humanity of Hispanics. And the truth of the matter is, a lot of this immigration debate is driven as a result of Latinos being in our country," he said. "I have seen firsthand the beautiful stories of people being able to take advantage of opportunity and make solid contributions to our society."
He said Americans have nothing to fear from large-scale immigration from Latin America.
"There is an element of our society that is worried about two Americas," he said. "Our ability to welcome newcomers and the system's capacity to assimilate them has been one of the great powerful traditions of America. It works, and it will work this time."
Bush expressed hope that the changes would reduce the need for a fence along the border with Mexico.
The proposed fence has drawn protests in Texas, where officials fear it will hinder commerce and cause environmental problems.
Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, www.fletc.gov |
