    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book I)]
    [May 3, 2007]
    [Pages 534-535]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks Following a Meeting on Immigration Reform
    May 3, 2007

        I want to thank my fellow Americans for joining me today to discuss
    a very important issue, and that is immigration.
        In my discussions, I've talked to clergy that recognize that our
    country needs a comprehensive immigration reform. And part of that is to
    help people learn English. I've talked to people who've worked for
    corporate America. Andy works for Marriott
    International, a corporation that understands that it's very helpful;
    it's in their interest to help people assimilate.
        I've talked to Emilio, who works for
    the Government. He's the head of the old INS, U.S. Citizen and
    Immigration Services. He has the opportunity often to swear in new
    citizens, and he sees the great hope that people have. I've talked to
    church workers who are reaching out in their communities to help people
    learn the benefits of the language--the English language. And thank you
    for tutoring and being kind.
        I've talked to people that are raising families, that have come from
    other countries, that are now U.S. citizens and understand the benefit
    of what it means to have learned English. Francisco said: ``When you learn English, doors open up for
    you.'' And I appreciate that beautiful sentiment because it's true.
        I strongly support comprehensive immigration reform. One aspect of
    comprehensive immigration reform is to help people assimilate into
    America. And part of that is to have a comprehensive strategy to help
    people learn the English language and to learn the history and
    traditions of the United States.
        Comprehensive immigration reform requires us to uphold law and
    enforce our borders in a humane way. Comprehensive immigration reform
    means that we need a temporary-worker program for workers who will be
    coming into our country. It's a program that treats people with respect,
    a program that helps meet the economic needs of our country.
    Comprehensive immigration reform means that employers have got to obey
    the law. Comprehensive immigration reform means that we've got to be
    humane about the nearly 11 or 12 million people who are already here. As
    I said in a speech down in Miami, We need to treat these people not with
    amnesty and not with animosity. So it's got to be a rational way
    forward.
        And I'm looking forward to working with both Democrats and
    Republicans to get a comprehensive immigration bill done this year. We
    have a good chance to get it done. It's important for our fellow
    citizens to understand, comprehensive immigration reform is in the
    Nation's interest. And I'll

    [[Page 535]]

    continue working with Members of Congress to encourage them to do the
    hard work necessary to make sure a system that is not working is
    reformed in a way that meets our national needs and listens to our
    national heart. After all, America is a land of immigrants. Immigration
    helps renew our soul. It helps redefine our spirit in a positive way.
        And I'm so proud to be with you, and I thank you for your time.
    Thank you very much.

    Note: The President spoke at 11:26 a.m. at the Asamblea de Iglesias
    Cristianas, Centro Evangelistico. In his remarks, he referred to Andy
    Chaves, youth programs director and manager of workforce effectiveness
    and diversity, Marriott International, Inc.; Emilio T. Gonzalez,
    director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; and Francisco Lara,
    heavy equipment operator, Covanta Energy. The Office of the Press
    Secretary also released a Spanish language transcript of these remarks.