Since leaving office former President George W. Bush has rarely been in the limelight to discuss politics so it was a bit surprising when the former president urged lawmakers to come to a "positive resolution" over immigration reform, according to NBC News.
The former president discussed the issue on Wednesday morning at a naturalization ceremony for new citizens. Former President Bush did not discuss any of the specifics of the current bills floating around Washington but did say that lawmakers need to be careful not to deride immigrants, reports NBC News.
"We can uphold our tradition of assimilating immigrants, and honoring our heritage of our nation built on the rule of law," Former President Bush said. "But we have a problem. The laws governing our immigration system aren't working; the system is broken."
Immigration reform was an issue that the former president tried to push in his second term of office to no avail. Former President Bush's immigration plan called for a pathway for immigrants currently in the U.S. illegally to eventually obtain citizenship, much like the bill that has passed the Senate and is being met with fierce resistance in the Republican led House, according to the Associated Press.
"I don't intend to get involved in the politics or the specifics of policy, but I do hope there's a positive resolution to the debate," Former President Bush said. "And I hope, during the debate, we keep a benevolent spirit in mind, and we understand the contributions immigrants make to our country."
The immigration bill that passed in the Senate with bi-partisan support has yet to be debated in the House; instead the House is working on an immigration bill of their own. House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, has said that he will not bring the Senate bill up for a vote unless it is supported by a majority of the Republicans in the House.
Rep. Tim Griffin, R-Ark., told the Associated Press that he agrees with what the former president said but legislating a solution will be very difficult.
"I applaud him for not backing the Senate bill but look, we in the House represent our constituents who are very vocal on this issue, and I don't think it has any bearing one way or the other," Griffin said.
In his remarks Former President Bush seemed to be addressing Republicans concerns that the Senate bill does little to enforce legislation laws and essentially rewards people who have broken the law to enter the country, according to NBC News.
"We're also a nation of laws. And we must enforce our laws," Former President Bush said. "American can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time."
