    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book I)]
    [March 23, 2006]
    [Page 559]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting on Immigration Reform
    March 23, 2006

        I've just had a very constructive and important dialog with members
    of the agricultural community, the faith community, the concerned
    citizen community about immigration. Ours is a nation of law, and ours
    is a nation of immigrants, and we believe that we can have rational,
    important immigration policy that's based upon law and reflects our deep
    desire to be a compassionate and decent nation.
        Our Government must enforce our borders; we've got plans in place to
    do so. But part of enforcing our borders is to have a guest-worker
    program that encourages people to register their presence so that we
    know who they are, and says to them, ``If you're doing a job an American
    won't do, you're welcome here, for a period of time, to do that job.''
        The immigration debate is a vital debate for our country. It's
    important that we have a serious debate, one that discusses the issues.
    But I urge Members of Congress and I urge people who like to comment on
    this issue to make sure the rhetoric is in accord with our traditions. I
    look around the table and I recognize that we've got people from
    different backgrounds, different heritages. We all may have different
    family histories, but we all sit around this table as Americans.
        And therefore, when we conduct this debate, it must be done in a
    civil way. It must be done in a way that brings dignity to the process.
    It must be done in a way that doesn't pit one group of people against
    another. It must be done in a way that recognizes our history. I think
    now is the time for the United States Congress to act to get an
    immigration plan that is comprehensive and rational and achieves
    important objectives.
        So I want to welcome you all for being here. I want to thank you
    very much for your involvement in this vital issue. I've assured folks
    here at the table that I will continue to speak out on the issue. I feel
    passionately about the need for our country to conduct themselves with
    dignity and, at the same time, enforce our border and treat people here
    with respect.
        Thank you all very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 10:37 a.m. in the Roosevelt Room at the
    White House. The Office of the Press Secretary also released a Spanish
    language transcript of these remarks.