05/14/2006

Bush set for immigration speech

WHITE HOUSE (AP) -- President Bush is getting set for a prime-time speech on immigration tomorrow night.

Aides note the 8 p-m, Eastern Time, speech will be the president's first from the Oval Office that does not involve Iraq and the war on terrorism. And they say that reflects Bush's "passion" on immigration.

He's speaking as the Senate is poised to clear a compromise measure including his idea for a guest worker program. However, a rival House bill is limited to a border crackdown, and meshing the two won't be easy.

One thing that may well be part of Bush's speech is a plan to bolster enforcement using National Guard troops.

While the Guard already plays a role in border enforcement in Arizona and New Mexico, a senior White House official confirms an expanded deployment is being considered.