By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON - President Bush (news - web sites) called Wednesday for a major overhaul of America's immigration system to grant legal status to millions of undocumented workers in the United States, saying the current program is not working.
"Out of common sense and fairness, our laws should allow willing workers to enter our country and fill jobs that Americans are not filling," the president said in an East Room speech to members of Congress, his Cabinet and immigrant advocacy groups.
Bush's election-year proposal is designed to win support among Hispanic voters while helping meet the needs of American employers. His plan would create a temporary worker program for undocumented workers now in the United States and those in other countries who have been offered employment here.