Bush seeks immigration reforms

Seeking a system that would help newcomers assimilate into the society, US President George W Bush has urged both Republican and Democratic senators to undertake the immigration reforms in a bipartisan manner, which would treat everyone in a dignified fashion.

The United States Senate is scheduled to address the Immigration reform legislation next week.

"Democrats and Republicans agree that our current immigration system is in need of reform," Bush said in his weekly radio address.

"We agree that we need a system where our laws are respected. We agree that we need a system that meets the legitimate needs of workers and employers. And we agree that we need a system that treats people with dignity and helps newcomers assimilate into our society," he said.

Lawmakers and observers have noted that the Senate is merely taking up comprehensive immigration reforms and completion of this Bill is a long way off, he said.

The legislation will have to address not only the issue of the 12 million odd illegal immigrants in America but also other aspects of immigration like permanent residency and skilled workers under the H1B visa.

The president said he will support a comprehensive immigration reform bill that accomplishes five "clear" objectives: improving security at borders; employers held accountable for workers they hire; the creation of a temporary worker programme that takes pressure off the border by providing foreign workers a legal status; resolving the status of millions of illegal immigrants here in America "without amnesty and without animosity" and honouring the great American tradition of being the "melting pot".

"Coming together on a good bill that includes all five elements, we will make America more secure. We will make our economy more competitive. And we will show the world that America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time," Bush said in his address.

"Reforming our immigration system is an important opportunity to show that elected officials in Washington can work together to find practical solutions to the problems that matter most," he said.