Fox News
Expand
Browse All Video
Watch Live

You're watching...

Jeb Bush talks immigration, 2016

Details

  • Description

    Former Florida governor sits down with Chris Wallace

  • Duration 10:05
  • Date

Clips

Also in this playlist...

Editor's Picks

Auto-advance: ON

Auto-advance
View All

Transcript

This transcript is automatically generated

Jeb Bush hasn't decided yet but for the first time he's keeping the door open to a possible run for president in 26 day.

This like the former Florida governor returned to the spotlight with a new book immigration wars in which he lays out his plan for comprehensive reform.

Bush's comments have stirred considerable controversy.

And when we talked with them Friday we asked about -- Governor in your new book.

You wipe out a couple of pounds of the eleven million illegal immigrants who are now in this country use -- -- if they want permanent legal resident status they should pay a fine for breaking the law.

Pay taxes learn English and committed no crimes but to become a citizen you right.

They must return -- home.

And applied to the normal immigration process.

Question governor what's the difference between not and what Mitt Romney was proposing last year self deportation.

Would you say in it in your book made it almost impossible for him to get any Hispanic votes.

Well the difference is that we're suggesting that there be a path to legalization that people that are here.

Come out from the shadows -- as a far cry from selling people they just have to go back to their home country.

The other thing I would say is that -- are put our proposal also says for children.

To illegal immigrants those that if -- come here illegally that -- children that they should have a path to citizenship on a far faster basis.

The so called DREAM Act kids.

But in terms of that the path to citizenship that is self deportation correct.

No it's not self deportation people can stay here 60% of the people that that.

Were granted to a process of legalization.

-- citizenship and not 1987.

Did not apply for citizenship they stated as legal residents of the country.

And so it's Parker it's -- it's much different than than to say you know you have no ability to be able to have.

A chance to come out from the shadows.

Now I also think that a path to citizenship for so long as the -- the ability of someone to come legally is easier and less costly than coming illegally.

That the path to citizenship is appropriate and I applaud the the work of the the senators and others in the congress are working to try to craft date -- -- a consensus on a compromise on this issue.

Well I wanna pick up on that because.

You've taken some heat from those senators who say that your plan is more restrictive.

Then what the so called bipartisan.

A group of a gang of -- has come up -- When when it comes to the the past due to citizenship.

They say that they would allow -- as soon as the border become secure and Lindsey Graham who is one of the members of the gang at night.

-- desk -- that this proposal -- plan caught me off guard and it undercuts what we're trying to do.

Have you made an -- year for conservatives.

To oppose immigration reform.

No not at all in fact I think I've talked to senator Graham and he said there -- in -- on this that based on the comprehensive nature of our proposal in the book to Clint -- and I wrote.

That the objectives are the same and I admire his work and I think that.

-- did with -- with some continued.

Efforts on this end with the house also having a version of immigration reform.

It could be Chris that there's a chance that.

Something old fashioned happens which is that there's a conference committee and that there's -- -- forge consensus on immigration reform which would be spectacular for our country.

And I don't think there -- Look undermines that at all well let me just pick up on that one more time now because what you're -- is didn't get to be a citizen you have to go back to your home country and apply through the normal processing is and what the senators are -- is no you could stay in this country and that once the borders are deemed to be secure.

That then you could become a citizen without.

Self deportation.

Is not a difference yeah.

It in the senators are also saying that the path -- for someone outside the country that has patiently been waiting.

That they should have a chance to come legally before.

Anybody becomes a citizen that has come here illegally and that is the foundation of our idea and that's where there is a consensus.

There there is there's not much light between what we're suggesting in the book.

And what what is being worked on right now which is very encouraging.

-- you've also taken some heat during the at this past week for your suggestion that you might be willing to accept.

More revenue higher taxes as part of a grand bargain if you also got serious spending -- And he also got some entitlement reform and anti tax advocate Grover Norquist said -- People are looking for someone whose costs and you were saying.

Also old.

What -- what I think we ought to be focused on in Washington is to build consensus on the things where there's an agreement.

Maybe that would be -- creating high growth for example sustained economic growth -- more revenue than any tax increase.

But I'm not I don't think that you should autumn when you're asked a question about whether or not you know your four against something -- automatically say no heck no.

We have to find in a divided country waste forge compromise I'm sitting here at the Reagan library.

We're say great conservative a man who is beloved by not just conservatives but all Americans.

Did exactly that he forge consensus he compromise he didn't violate his principles of the idea that you have to have the Stockton their view.

You can win -- debating point but you're not necessarily going to be able to solve these pressing problems that we have and I'm encouraged.

That a lot of people in Washington understand that and are willing to try to find common ground immigration is a great example of that.

But let's talk about the situation in Washington because you've been pretty tough on President Obama and your book you repeatedly.

Criticized him for the fact that as you say he broke his campaign promise to enact comprehensive reform in the first year.

And did an interview this week is that the leaders -- they don't create a poisonous atmosphere.

So simple question.

What do you -- a Barack Obama as president.

Well I think he's been he's a very effective campaigner and he is continuing to campaign.

I'll tell you one thing though -- -- encouraged that.

A couple of days ago three -- four days ago he had dinner with about twelve Republican senators I believe -- had lunch with Paul Ryan.

Now whether that's good gimmick or whether that sincere I hope -- sincere because if he does pivot towards trying to.

Reconcile and find common ground then.

Sure in the credit and not have everything be about political victories.

It's possible that we could begin to solve some of these problems so -- might my hope and prayer is that that I've been wrong -- that he's changing direction I hope that's the case.

Early on in the 2008 and 2012 cycle you take yourself out of the possibility of running for president but this time.

Your answer is I'm not saying yes it's just that I'm not saying no so.

My question is are you leaving the door open because it'll get you more attention.

For your views which -- gotta say is working wonderfully well.

Or is it that.

We'll -- is it that you're really in a different twice about running for president.

You -- you know I think it's it's we just had an election.

The election occurred three months ago it seems like you would be making decisions like that closer to.

-- lead to the election than three months -- after the last one.

And so it's a sincere.

Thought that maybe it's better to make decisions in the proper context the proper time.

I'd love the fact that in Washington world all logic is just based on -- -- things that.

That I would create all this controversy -- people would buy the book that's just fantastic about the first person that this candidate that.

Well did it has worked.

Let me let me ask a couple of more questions about the logic of whether or not -- would run in -- -- when -- sixteen.

Some people say in -- obviously you're very proud of your family and proud of their accomplishments but the question is wouldn't be a political burden.

I I think it's fair to say that when your brother left the presidency he was somewhat unpopular we looked around the most recent poll shows.

That 46%.

View him favorably 49%.

View him unfavorably.

Do you think that there is any bush -- -- that would be a problem.

No I don't think President Bush baggage -- all I love my brother I'm proud of his accomplishments I love my dad and I am proud to be a bush and if our run for president.

It's not because of something in my DNA the compels me to do it would be that is the right thing to do for my family.

That that the conditions are right and that that I have something offer if I don't run I have a blessed life I can continue to.

Do what I am what I'm doing now work on education reform and -- the policies that I believe -- and also.

Little private life and -- decision will happen as -- said later on.

And -- last question in this regard Terry Jeffrey it was a concerted of this conservative columnist -- if you were to run.

And that you would not be the conservative candidate he would be the establishment candidate do you plead that you did the establishment candidate.

Cut cut cut.

You know what I don't I don't even think about it I'm here at the Reagan library and I'm proud to be here and -- Sometimes just the idea that you have to put everybody in these categories and his that's Washington world out here are there people really concerned about.

The future of our country in the structural problems we have -- they're looking for solutions -- I'm going to be part of offering no solutions whether what candidate or not.

Well let me say -- and that asked whether you come as a candidate or whether is one of the most thoughtful and provocative voices in the Republican Party.

You are always welcome here we thank you for talking with us and good luck to you and good luck -- the -- Thanks Chris.

Load More