Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, a talked-about candidate for the White House in 2016, gave an interview over the weekend in which he bluntly said illegal immigrants are only trying to better themselves and should not be treated as felons.
“Yes, they broke the law, but it’s not a felony,” Mr. Bush told Fox news’ Shannon Beam at a Sunday town hall event at the George Bush Presidential Library Center, CNN reported. “It’s an act of love. It’s an act of commitment to your family.”
Mr. Bush went on to say: “I honestly think that is a different kind of crime, that there should be a price paid, but it shouldn’t rile people up that people are actually coming to this country to provide for their families. I think we need to kind of get beyond the harsh political rhetoric to a better place.”
Mr. Bush, who is the brother of former President George W. Bush, also admitted that he knew his remarks were recorded — and that they would likely make a splash.
“So be it,” he said.
Mr. Bush said at the Texas event that he would be deciding in the coming weeks whether or not to seek the GOP ticket to the White House.
SEE ALSO: ACLU uses profiling charges against police to target Arizona’s illegal immigrant law
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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