Former President George W. Bush, who has remained largely on the sidelines after the White House, has resurfaced with criticism of his Republican successor while advocating a very different immigration policy from former President Donald Trump.
“The problem with the immigration debate is that, one, it can create a lot of fear.” They’re going to look for you, ”Bush said during a recent interview with CBS News on his 1,600-acre ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Bush, whose book of paintings “Out of Many, One: Portraits of American Immigrants” is being published by Crown, hopes his voice can make the debate less formidable after four years of political Trump. The proceeds from his book will go to charities that will help immigrants resettle.
“The country was very divided during that time period. And as a result, it was not re-elected,” Bush said of Trump.
Although he accused Trump of dividing the country, Bush would not go so far as to attribute the blame for the January 6 riot to the U.S. Capitol, which he called “a terrible moment in our history.”
“That made me sick. I couldn’t believe it. You couldn’t either. Most Americans are sitting there and saying, ‘What the hell is going on?’ “Bush said.” Trying to guess the motivations of upset people: history will assess guilt as time goes on. ”
More than two decades ago, Bush acted as a compassionate conservative who wanted to pass a comprehensive immigration reform. His failure to do so, he said, is one of his greatest regrets and is part of the reason he rejoins the debate.
It was Ken Mehlman, his former campaign manager, who urged him about four years ago to talk about immigration reform, Bush said.
“I said,‘ I don’t want to put my voice in the immigration debate. I’m a quiet guy. I made my deal. I won’t criticize my successors. “He said,” Why don’t you paint portraits of immigrants? “And I said,” Wow, that’s a good idea. “I started. And now I’m involved in the discussion about immigration.” said Bush.
Adam Verdugo / CBS News
The last president to sign an immigration reform bill was President Ronald Reagan in 1986, who essentially granted amnesty to 2.7 million undocumented immigrants. Bush said he does not believe providing immediate amnesty to migrants “would work at present,” but supports a path to citizenship.
“However, I think the people who have been here, that [followed] the law and its taxes should have a chance … a path to citizenship, “he said.” If they pay their taxes and prove to be good citizens. And stay out of jail. But don’t jump ahead of those who have been here, living by the rules. ”
Bush said he would pressure the Republican party to support it, if that is President Joe Biden’s proposal.
“Whether my own party listens to me or not is another matter,” he said.
Bush also said he disagrees with the argument that immigrants take jobs away from U.S. citizens.
“I think it helps increase the number of jobs available. And there are a lot of jobs that aren’t being done right now. Come to Dallas in August and there aren’t a lot of people who volunteer to put tiles on the roofs. “, he said. dit.
The former president employs eight immigrants working on his 90-acre tree farm. They are in the United States with work visas, he said.
“They’re incredibly good workers. But the most important thing is that they’re here to support their families. And they get the money back home,” Bush said, adding that he believes the current system of work visas.
“The problem with the visa program is that they have to apply for readmission every year. Therefore, as a small business owner, we don’t know if the labor that has been trained to work on the farm will come. ‘trees. And that needs to be fixed, “he said.
On the cover of Mr. Bush’s portrait book is Carlos Rovelo, who came to the United States due to a civil war in El Salvador. If he had stayed there, said Rovelo, now a father of four, he doesn’t think he would be alive. Her father was tortured, her family was forced to pay a ransom for her father’s release, and her grandmother witnessed the murder of an archbishop near her home.
Adam Verdugo / CBS News
He became a citizen of the United States in 1987 and is now a professor at a community university, teaching federal and Texas government, Mexican-American studies, and art history.
“Only in America. And that’s what this country is about. Never say never,” Rovelo said on the cover.
Bush, who met Rovelo through his art instructor, hopes that by sharing the story of Rovelo and others, the tone of the immigration debate will change.
“Now, that’s what bothers me about this debate. I really don’t want to get involved in politics. But you know, the tone of the debate was as disrespectful to people like Carlos,” he said. “He dreams big dreams and works hard.”