FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 28, 2005

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: President Bush’s Latest Immigration Plan Falls Short

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on President Bush’s speech this afternoon in Arizona on immigration:

“What we need is not another photo-op, but real leadership.  Democrats have worked hard, over the opposition of Republicans, to provide additional resources to the vital task of keeping America safe.  Real border security, however, cannot be accomplished in isolation; it must be accompanied by bipartisan and comprehensive immigration reform.

“As we have learned from the President’s previous forays to Jackson Square and the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, photo-ops cannot substitute for action or the President’s inability to keep promises due to his weakened political standing.  The latest plan by the President falls short by providing an unrealistic approach to temporary workers.  It will not provide the reform that he promised.

“Democrats support comprehensive, bipartisan, and realistic immigration reform that will keep us safe, protect American workers, and reunite families.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi