Here is reaction to the speech by President George Bush on immigration:

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist:

“Tonight, President Bush has once again demonstrated his commitment to securing our borders.

“Utilizing the National Guard is an effective, short-term stopgap to immediately strengthen border security as long-range reforms begin to take effect.

“As I’ve maintained from the beginning of this debate, secure borders must be the cornerstone of any comprehensive immigration reform plan. In the last eight months, the Senate has approved nearly $12 billion to bolster security along our borders, hire additional border patrol agents and increase the number of detention beds.

“I thank the President for his strong leadership on this issue and look forward to a thoughtful debate in the Senate this week.”

Sen. Lamar Alexander:

“Upholding the rule of law on our border is as important as defending our freedom in Iraq. It can’t be done overnight. While a permanent system of border security is being established, President Bush is exactly right to mobilize all of the government’s resources, including the National Guard in appropriate and temporary ways.

“The President’s plan is a serious and important first step in rebuilding the confidence of the American people that we can secure our border. We in the Congress need to do everything we can to ensure its success.”

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ed Bryant:

"I commend the President for getting tougher on border security, including deployment of National Guard troops to the border and increasing the number of border patrol agents. However, any program that allows illegal immigrants to become legal is a form of amnesty and I am firmly opposed to that. The problem with illegal immigration is not just along the Mexican border, it's in Washington. We cannot reward illegal immigrants in any manner for their breaking the laws of our country.

"It's quite simple: no amnesty, no citizenship, no work visas, and no jumping in line for illegal immigrants. We need to enforce the laws on the books, strengthen the physical security of our borders, and empower the front lines, including local law enforcement, with proper training and resources, and allow the federal government to assist those agencies in enforcing our laws.

"On this issue there are clear differences between myself and the President. I do not support and will not support any type of amnesty program for illegal immigrants. No matter what you call this temporary worker program, it still is a form of amnesty for those who have broken our laws in coming to this country. The end result will be an increase in illegal immigration for those who are hoping that they can break the law and be rewarded with citizenship in our country."

U.S. Senate candidate Bob Corker:

“I agree with many of the provisions laid out in tonight’s address. As the President outlined, it is vitally important that we secure our borders immediately. The proposals to increase border security and provide stepped-up surveillance are steps in the right direction. I also support ending ‘catch and release’ and helping employers verify the status of their workers with a new identification card. However, I continue to oppose any immigration reform proposal that rewards illegal behavior by allowing those who have entered the country illegally to become citizens without first returning home and reentering the country legally.”

Rep. and U.S. Senate candidate Harold Ford Jr.:

“It is unacceptable that millions of people are willingly breaking our laws and entering the country illegally every year. In a post-9/11 world, a nation without secure borders is not a great nation.

“Tennesseans who work hard and play by the rules deserve better. They deserve a government that will keep them safe and enforce the rules.

“I propose this rule: Nothing and no one should enter this country, whether through our ports or our borders, unless the U.S. Government knows when, where and how. Right now, our Border Patrol is overworked and understaffed. So also is our National Guard.

“The National Guard always does its part. If the Guard is to support our Border Patrol, I call on the President to do his part by fully funding the National Guard and withdrawing his proposal to cut the Guard’s troop strength.

“We are a nation of opportunity and of laws. One does not work without the other. That is why amnesty for people who break the law is not an option.”