"The Bush administration is failing to meet what should be the basic requirements of immigration policy: continuing our American tradition of welcoming immigrants who follow the rules and are trying to build a better life for their families, while strengthening national security in a post 9-11 world."

In a potentially potent bid to win Red State support in 2008, the former first lady is playing the role of tough cop:

"Our current immigration laws need to be reformed," she urges. "We need a better solution to the question of illegal immigration which recognizes the conflict between the need to enforce the law, and the reality that too many employers are using undocumented workers today."

Clinton says that while "this administration has failed to provide the resources to protect our borders, or a better system to keep track of entrants to this country ... I welcome the addition of more border security."

She pins blame for the failure directly on the Oval Office, saying, "President Bush refused to provide the necessary funding in his Fiscal Year 2006 proposed budget sufficient to hire all of the border patrol agents that had been authorized."

"Fortunately," Clinton adds, "during the Senate’s debate on the budget in March of 2005, we passed an amendment to provide increased funding for border patrol agents."

Then, in a none-too-subtle dig at GOP foot-dragging on the immigration issue, Clinton says: "I hope the Republican leadership will support the maintenance of this funding, to provide the resources necessary to properly protect our borders."

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Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
2006 Elections
Bush Administration
Immigration/Borders
Sen. Hillary Clinton