The Washington Times
A leading Republican senator yesterday said President Bush needs to do a better job of explaining his proposed guest-worker program to a public overwhelmingly opposed to the legalization of millions of illegal aliens in this country.
Sen. Jon Kyl, chairman of the Senate Judiciary subcommittee on terrorism, technology and homeland security, and a member of the subcommittee on immigration, border security and citizenship, said the Bush proposal was "subject to misinterpretation" and, as a result, "needed further clarification."
"Immigration brings out strong feelings, and the White House may be taking unnecessary heat because of the way the proposal was laid out," the Arizona Republican told editors and reporters at The Washington Times. "Some people wish it would go further, while others believe it goes too far.
"The president needs to tell the public more specifically what he has in mind. He needs to be the one who clarifies this proposal," Mr. Kyl said.
Under the Bush proposal, announced Jan. 7 as a set of principles and not as specific legislation, millions of illegal aliens in the United States could remain as guest workers for two three-year periods if they can prove to federal officials that they have jobs. The aliens eventually could apply for permanent legal residence and citizenship.
Eight million to 12 million illegal aliens, mostly Mexican nationals, are estimated to be in the United States.
Posted by Suzanne at February 11, 2004