Washington – President Bush, promoting bipartisan immigration talks as they reach a critical stage, said Saturday that Republicans and Democrats are building consensus that could produce a bill this year.
“I am optimistic we can pass a comprehensive immigration bill and get this problem solved for the American people this year,” Bush said in his radio address.
Bush used the address to put pressure on senators as they prepare to hold a vote on the contentious issue. Signing an overhaul into law would be viewed as a marquee domestic achievement.
He has dispatched two members of his Cabinet to Capitol Hill for almost daily closed-door meetings with a handful of Republicans and Democrats to cut a deal.
The group is eyeing a Tuesday deadline for a compromise. Both sides have an interest in addressing the topic, which polls show is among Americans’ top concerns. It’s also a top issue for Latino voters, a fast-growing segment of the electorate.
