Posted on 11/28/2005 5:10:54 PM PST by snugs
President Bush today delivered a speech in Arizona on border security and immigration reform. Afterwards he attended a fund raiser for Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz. in Phoenix, Ariz.
The first lady welcomed this year's Christmas Tree to the White House.
Enjoy your visit to Sanity Island
QUOTE OF THE DAY
President Discusses Border Security and Immigration Reform in Arizona
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base
Tucson, Arizona
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you all. Please be seated. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is such a pleasure to be back in Arizona, and it's great to be here in Tucson. The last time I was here I think there was probably about a 50-degree temperature differential. (Laughter.) It's an honor to stand here with the men and women of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. (Applause.) As well, to be here with the men and women of the Customs and Border Protection Agency, and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency, as well. (Applause.)
Securing our border is essential to securing the homeland. And I want to thank all of those who are working around the clock to defend our border, to enforce our laws, and to uphold the values of the United States of America. America is grateful to those who are on the front lines of enforcing the border. (Applause.)
I appreciate so very much the Governor joining us today. Governor, thank you for being here. I'm honored you are here. I appreciate Senator John McCain joining us today. Senator. (Applause.) As well as Senator John Kyl. (Applause.) I appreciate three members of the congressional delegation from Arizona -- Congressman Shadegg, Flake and Franks -- for joining us, as well. (Applause.) Two members of my Cabinet are here with us, the Attorney General of the United States, Al Gonzales -- (applause) -- and the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Mike Chertoff. (Applause.)
As a former governor, I know that enforcing the law and the border is especially important to the communities along the border. Illegal immigration puts pressure on our schools and hospitals -- I understand that. I understand it strains the resources needed for law enforcement and emergency services. And the vicious human strugglers -- smugglers and gangs that bring illegal immigrants across the border also bring crime to our neighborhoods and danger to the highways. Illegal immigration is a serious challenge. And our responsibility is clear: We are going to protect the border. (Applause.)
Since I've taken office we've increased funding for border security by 60 percent. Our border agents have used that funding to apprehend and send home more than 4.5 million people coming into our country illegally, including more than 350,000 with criminal records. Our Customs and Border Protection agents can be proud of the work that you're doing. You're taking control of this border. And we have more work to do, and that's what I want to talk to you about today. We're going to build on the progress we have made.
We have a comprehensive strategy to reform our immigration system. We're going to secure the border by catching those who enter illegally, and hardening the border to prevent illegal crossings. We're going to strengthen enforcement of our immigration laws within our country. And together with Congress, we're going to create a temporary worker program that will take pressure off the border, bring workers from out of the shadows, and reject amnesty. (Applause.)
As we work to secure the border, comprehensive immigration reform also requires us to improve enforcement of our laws in the interior of the country. Catching and deporting illegal immigrants along the border is only part of the responsibility. America's immigration laws apply across all of America, and we will enforce those laws throughout our land. Better interior enforcement begins with better work site enforcement. American businesses have an obligation to abide by the law, and our government has the responsibility to help them do so. (Applause.)
A temporary worker program, by contrast, would decrease pressure on the border. I support the number of -- increasing the number of annual green cards that can lead to citizenship. But for the sake of justice and for the sake of border security, I'm not going to sign an immigration bill that includes amnesty. (Applause.)
I appreciate once again being here with the Border and Immigration Security officers who have volunteered for a difficult and urgent assignment. I appreciate their courage. By defending our border, you're defending our liberty, and our citizens, and our way of life. I'm proud to stand with you today, and the American people stand with you, as well. May God bless you all, and may God continue to bless our country. (Applause.)
PHOTO OF THE DAY
President Bush gestures during remarks about border security and immigration reform at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005 in Tuscon, Ariz.
:)
snugs, did you get your recipe?
Thank you, Snugs.
Yes thanks - sorry have been a bit busy this evening had not chance to say thank you yet.
Thanks, snugs :)
President George W. Bush is saluted as he boards Air Force One in Waco, Texas, November 28, 2005. He is headed to Tucson, Arizona after spending the Thanksgiving holiday at his ranch in Crawford, Texas
President Bush boards Air Force One on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005 in Waco, Texas; he is traveling to Arizona for a speech on border security and immigration reform.
My pleasure
Ah, Sanity Island!
Top Ten!! Whoo hoo!!!
Could I please get on the ping list???
No problem
I hope everyone got a surprise in their mail boxes today....I got two...my beautiful White House Christmas Crd and my new RNC calendar......wit til you all see the Christmas card...
Oooops ... top twenty. Still happy!!
Those are GREAT pictures of the president. I love closeups!
Thanks for all the pictures tonight, Snugs! I was sure ready for them!
Hi snugs...thanks for the Dose...the First Lady recieved the White House Chrismas tree today...I hope there are pics..
President George W. Bush is silhouetted as he salutes upon arriving at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, November 28, 2005
President Bush is greeted by Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., left, Sen. John McCain, R- Ariz, second from left, and Gov. Janet Napolitano, D-Ariz., right, before making remarks about border security and immigration reform at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005 in Tuscon, Ariz.
President Bush, left, Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., center, and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., right, take part in a briefing with Customs and Border Protection personnel on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005 at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Ariz.
President George W. Bush walks past helicopter to deliver a speech on border security and immigration reform at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona November 28, 2005.
President Bush speaking about border security and immigration reform at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base on Monday, Nov. 28, 2005
A Secret Service agent stands as U.S. President George W. Bush (L) delivers remarks on border security and immigration reform in Tucson, Arizona November 28, 2005
President George W. Bush (front) greets border guards after delivering remarks on border security and immigration reform at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona November 28, 2005
President George W. Bush (R) greets border guards after delivering remarks on border security and immigration reform at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, November 28, 2005
Indeed !!!!
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