Immigrants needed to grow economy
President George W. Bush was in Dallas Tuesday, where his institute hosted a conference along with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas to discuss the positive influence of immigrants on the U.S economy.
The Bush Institute released a book over the summer which notes how immigrants help grow the economy by increasing the labor force and filling certain jobs.
"Immigrants come with new skills and new ideas," Bush told attendees. "They fill a critical gap in our labor market; they work hard for a chance for a better life."
As he left office four years ago, Bush warned republicans not to become "anti-immigrant." This after Congress defeated his promised overhaul of immigration policy saying a guest worker program amounted to amnesty for illegal immigrants.
Bush believes immigration reform is necessary to get the economy to 4% growth.
"America is a nation of immigrants," Bush said. "Immigrants have helped build the country we have become, and immigrants can help build a dynamic tomorrow."
"As our nation debates the proper course of action relating to immigration, I hope we do so with a benevolent spirit, and keep in mind the contribution of immigrants," Bush concluded.
