MIAMI, Mar 6: A new book about immigration reform published by Jeb Bush is fueling speculation that the former Florida governor may be considering a run at the presidency in 2016.
In the book, Bush seizes the middle ground in a divisive political topic, proposing residency for undocumented immigrants but tough conditions for citizenship.
Bush’s plan advocates against allowing undocumented immigrants to obtain citizenship unless they first return to their country of origin, according to the book ‘Immigration Wars: Forging an American Solution.’
Asked by reporters yesterday if he is thinking of running in 2016, Bush did not discount the idea, in sharp contrast to his emphatic rejection of a run in the lead up to the 2012 Republican party presidential primaries.
NBC-TV political host Chuck Todd interviewed Bush on Tuesday and told viewers he was ‘seriously considering’ entering the race. Hours later Bush told Reuters, ‘No, I told Chuck that’s not accurate.’
He added, ‘What I have seriously considered is not to consider it seriously for a while. It’s so far away,’ he said.
Journalists were too obsessed with discussing future candidates, he added. ‘This is like crack cocaine for political reporters, bless their hearts,’ he said.
Bush’s position on citizenship surprised some immigration advocates, as well as fellow Republicans, who had expected him to come out with more lenient proposals.
‘I’m surprised and very disappointed,’ said Cheryl Little, director of Americans for Immigrant Justice, a Miami-based immigrant-advocacy group. ‘It was my impression that Governor Bush has long been a champion of fair and humane immigration reform.’
Instead of citizenship, Bush, 60, argues that immigrants who came to the United States illegally could apply for permanent legal residency as long as they pay a fine and perform community service, and pay back taxes and learn English.
Under the Bush plan, undocumented immigrants would then be able to earn US citizenship if they return to their home countries and apply through regular legal channels. They would also face a three- or 10-year bar depending on how long they had been in the United States illegally.
Bush makes an exception for young undocumented immigrants, known as DREAMers, who were brought to the United States by their parents before the age of 18. Under his plan, they would be given residency with the ability to apply for citizenship after five years. (AGENCIES)
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