Bush wants laws overhauled

President pushes for immigration reform in visit to Arizona
By John Marelius
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
Photo by PAUL CONNORS / Associated Press
April 10, 2007

YUMA, Ariz. – President Bush yesterday argued that because border security measures enacted by Congress last year are beginning to work, it is now time for lawmakers to pass his stalled comprehensive overhaul of the nation's immigration laws.

“It is a matter of national interest and it's a matter of deep conviction for me,” the president told federal agents and their families gathered here for the grand opening of the U.S. Border Patrol's new Yuma Station Headquarters.

“I've been working to bring Republicans and Democrats together to resolve outstanding issues so that Congress can pass a comprehensive bill and I can sign it into law this year.”

Immigration is the rare issue where the November Democratic takeover of Congress may help the embattled Republican president score a major policy victory.