In his address to the nation tonight on immigration, Nush called for “Congress to provide funding for dramatic improvements in manpower and technology at the border.”

By the end of 2008, we will increase the number of Border Patrol officers by an additional 6,000. When these new agents are deployed, we will have more than doubled the size of the Border Patrol during my presidency.

However, in the transitionary period leading up to this, Bush has called for the use of the National Guard, “in coordination with governors,” and wants to deploy “up to 6,000 Guard members” on our southern border. Bush also said that, “The Border Patrol will remain in the lead,” and the U.S. is “not going to militarize the southern border.”

Not so fast Mr. President… Our National Guard is already stretched to the max from deployment to Afghanistan and Iraq. Below is a statement from John Kerry on Bush’s plan to deploy National Guard troops to the border:

“This is a moment when the far right is horribly wrong and leadership is required to set a course for common sense. We need a comprehensive answer to immigration that includes tightening border security, but putting another burden on the backs of the National Guard troops who are serving their second tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan isn’t the right answer. The National Guard which has borne the burden of a broken policy in Iraq shouldn’t have to bear the burden of an incomplete immigration policy. The right answer is to listen to the 9/11 Commission and put the border patrol agents we need right there on the border. It won’t satisfy the right wing, but it’s the right policy.

“That’s why I’m introducing a plan to put an additional 1,000 additional Border Patrol agents on the border next year, plus more 100 helicopters and 250 more power boats to secure our borders.

“We know the problem and we know the solution. Rather than try and rescue his poll numbers, President Bush can rescue good immigration policy from the right wing that’s exploited it, and he can provide presidential leadership that’s humane, realistic and responsible.”

Tomorrow John Kerry will offer an amendment to the Immigration Reform Bill to add 1,000 additional Border Patrol agents – more here.

UPDATE: The Washington Post has this to say about Bush’s speech…

The speech — with its balance of security measures and pleas for tolerance — comes as Bush is trying to revive his presidency and salvage an immigration deal in Congress before the midterm elections.

And this priceless opinion comes by way of Joe Gandelman of The Moderate Voice: “He appeared. He talked. And he didn’t quite conquer.”

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