DALLAS (AP) — Former President George W. Bush says national immigration reform must be guided by a "benevolent spirit" and an understanding of the contribution of immigrants to the country.
Bush spoke briefly Wednesday prior to a naturalization ceremony for 20 people from 12 countries at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas.
The 43rd president says he doesn't intend to get involved in the politics or specific policy points in the contentious immigration debate in Congress. But he says current federal law is broken and must be mended.
Bush's own attempt to overhaul immigration policy in his second term in office was defeated in Congress.
Panel discussions on immigration are being held at the center following the naturalization ceremony, including one on how immigrants help drive the Texas economy.
