Bush believes immigration bill will be passed

US PRESIDENT George W Bush yesterday said he was confident that the most sweeping overhaul of his nation’s immigration laws in two decades will ultimately clear Congress.

The proposed legislation combines tough border security and tighter workplace rules to try to stem the flow of undocumented foreigners into the country.

But it could give millions hope of obtaining full citizenship and end fears of deportation.

Speaking in Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, Mr Bush acknowledged disappointment that the legislation — aimed at bringing 12 million illegal immigrants out of the shadows — collapsed on Thursday in the Democratic-controlled Congress.

“Listen, the immigration debate is a tough debate. I’m under no illusions about how hard it is,” he said.

“There are people in my (Republican) party that don’t want a comprehensive bill. There are people in the Democrat Party that don’t seem to want a comprehensive bill.”

But he said that he would, upon his return to Washington, get in touch with leading Democrats and Republicans who do support the legislation to get it firmly back on track.

“I’ll be going to the Senate to talk about a way forward on the piece of legislation,” he said.

“I’m going to work with those who are focused on getting an immigration bill done and start taking some steps forward again. I believe we can get it done. I’ll see you at the bill signing.”

In a radio address on Saturday, Mr Bush said the bill “requires illegal workers to pay a fine, register with the government, undergo background checks, pay their back taxes and hold a steady job”.

If those immigrants eventually wanted a green card for permanent residence, he said, they would have to pay another fine, learn English “and return to their home country so they can apply from there”.

Harry Reid, the Democratic leader of the Senate, withdrew the bill after senators, seeking to add amendments, voted twice within nine hours not to move it towards a final vote as he had demanded.

Billed as a “grand bargain”, the proposed law would grant a path to legal status for undocumented immigrants, establishing a merit-based points system for future immigrants and create a low-wage temporary worker programme.

The legislation also envisions a border security crackdown, punishment for employers who hire illegal immigrants and an attempt to wipe out a backlog of visa applications from those who have gone through legal channels.