Bush urges 'positive resolution' for 'broken' immigration system

Former President George W. Bush waded ever so gently into the fierce debate in Washington over immigration reform, urging lawmakers to reach a "positive resolution" on the issue, and warning against disparaging immigrants.

"We can uphold our tradition of assimilating immigrants, and honoring our heritage of our nation built on the rule of law. But we have a problem. The laws governing the immigration system aren't working; the system is broken."

Speaking Wednesday morning at a naturalization ceremony for new citizens held at his presidential library, Bush refused to comment specifically on the legislative battle that has enrapt the Capitol and beguiled many of the former president's fellow Republicans.

But Bush, who sought similar legislation during his presidency that would have offered undocumented immigrants a pathway to U.S. citizenship, spoke warmly about the positive contributions of immigrants.

"I don't intend to get involved in the politics or the specifics of policy, but I do hope there's a positive resolution to the debate," he said. "And I hope, during the debate, we keep a benevolent spirit in mind, and we understand the contributions immigrants make to our country."

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Bush seemed to gently reference Republicans' concerns, which involve complaints that the Senate-passed legislation does little to enforce the security of the border between the United States and Mexico.

"We're also a nation of laws. And we must enforce our laws. America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time," he said.

The fate of immigration reform seems to rest now with House Republicans, who have all but rejected the bipartisan Senate legislation crafted painstakingly over the course of months. The House GOP will meet Wednesday to mull the issue, though the lawmakers seem largely unmoved by the words of the last Republican to win the presidency.

More http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/201...ion-system?lite

Greatly relieved, he didn't get in the mix !!!!

He could have done better by just going with the following edit:


"We can uphold our tradition of assimilating immigrants, and honoring our heritage of our nation built on the rule of law. ... And we must enforce our laws."

Who is he gonna sway?--Well that would be all the Bushies--Karl Rove fans--Marco Rubioites--Open border type on the WSJ and Bill Kristol types and you

Quote: FP123 wrote in post #3

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He could have done better by just going with the following edit:


"We can uphold our tradition of assimilating immigrants, and honoring our heritage of our nation built on the rule of law. ... And we must enforce our laws."

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Did anyone else mail these in when the RNC was begging for money when Bush was pushing amnesty?

Quote: Eglman wrote in post #5

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Who is he gonna sway?--Well that would be all the Bushies--Karl Rove fans--Marco Rubioites--Open border type on the WSJ and Bill Kristol types and you

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