I agree - it's also about about nationality as well. Also, if this were not 24 million mexicans but rather 24 million chinese or 24 million Sudanese, there is no way the administration would be pushing for this so hard.
I do truly believe that this boils down to Bush's soft spot of mexican nationals - particularly his sister in law.
Jeff, I believe it’s much much more than that.
Plus most Asian and African immigrants make a real attempt to become Americans by speaking the language, assimilating into the culture, excelling at school, etc. Mexicans not only don’t do that in general but they resent the notion that they should.