President rejects 'automatic citizenship' for illegals


    President Bush yesterday said illegal aliens, even longtime residents with families, should not get "automatic citizenship" as part of any new guest-worker program.

    He stressed border security and said his administration is working to end the "catch-and-release" policy under which non-Mexican illegal aliens are processed and released with the usually false hope they will return for a hearing and deportation.

    As for the issue of what happens to the estimated 12 million illegal aliens already here, including longtime residents with families and roots here, Mr. Bush said they should not be able to jump in line ahead of those who have waited legally for citizenship.

    "My answer is, that person shouldn't get automatic citizenship," he said.