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The Bush plan, point by point

BY ZACHARY R. DOWDY | Newsday Staff Writer

May 16, 2006

President George W. Bush outlined a five-point plan to reform immigration in the country during his address to the nation last night.

BORDER SECURITY

"First, the United States must secure its borders," he said. "This is a basic responsibility of a sovereign nation. It is also an urgent requirement of our national security. Our objective is straightforward: The border should be open to trade and lawful immigration, and shut to illegal immigrants, as well as criminals, drug dealers and terrorists."

He asked Congress to provide funding to increase Border Patrol officers and for better technology at the border. He also proposed sending the National Guard to the border.

GUEST WORKER PROGRAM

"Second, to secure our border, we must create a temporary worker program," he said. "The reality is that there are many people on the other side of our border who will do anything to come to America to work and build a better life."

He said employers must play a role, too.

EMPLOYER ROLE

"Third, we need to hold employers to account for the workers they hire," he said. "It is against the law to hire someone who is in this country illegally. ... Therefore, comprehensive immigration reform must include a better system for verifying documents and work eligibility. A key part of that system should be a new identification card for every legal foreign worker."

For those immigrants already here illegally, Bush outlined a plan that he said would lead to citizenship by allowing them to be granted legal status after those who have not entered the country illegally.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

"Fourth, we must face the reality that millions of illegal immigrants are here already. They should not be given an automatic path to citizenship. This is amnesty, and I oppose it."

Bush said everyone should help immigrants assimilate.

MELTING POT

"Fifth, we must honor the great American tradition of the melting pot, which has made us one nation out of many peoples," he said. "The success of our country depends upon helping newcomers assimilate into our society and embrace our common identity as Americans."