Bush: 'Benevolent spirit' must drive immigration overhaul

Former President George W. Bush bites his lip after giving a speech before a U.S. citizen swearing in ceremony at the The George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas on Wednesday, July 10, 2013.
Former President George W. Bush bites his lip after giving a speech before a U.S. citizen swearing in ceremony at the The George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas on Wednesday, July 10, 2013.

DALLAS — Former President George W. Bush says national immigration policy changes must be guided by a "benevolent spirit" and an understanding of the contribution of immigrants to the country.

Bush spoke briefly Wednesday before 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.

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