Bush wants National Guard to boost Mexican border security

In a move designed to win over support for US immigration reform from get-tough conservatives, President George Bush is to announce a plan to send thousands of National Guard troops to help secure the Mexican border.

Bush will propose using the troops as a stopgap measure while the Border Patrol builds up its resources to more effectively patrol the 2,000-mile line between the US and Mexico, said two White House officials. The president is scheduled to speak at 8pm (1am Irish time tomorrow).