Since the election, some Republicans have begun backing away from the self-deportation rhetoric of folks like Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach and are getting on board with comprehensive immigration reform. Others in the party are sticking with the hard line. Enter former President George W. Bush with a dose of good ol’ compassionate conservative advice for his fellow Republicans: “Not only do immigrants help build our economy, they invigorate our soul,” he said, reprising his role as immigration reformer at a Dallas conference on Tuesday. “America can be a lawful society—and a welcoming society—at the same time. As our nation debates the proper course of action relating to immigration, I hope we do so with a benevolent spirit and keep in mind the contribution of immigrants.”
Watch his conference-opening comments below:
