Snow: Immigration Deal Is a 'Template'

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow tells U.S. News that the deal reached on immigration reform announced yesterday will serve as a "template" for cross-party cooperation in President Bush's remaining 19 months in office.

"This is a big deal," Snow said, casting the agreement as a major victory for Bush.

Bush has been pushing an overhaul of the immigration laws for years, Snow said, and this vindicates his perseverance: "It does take presidential leadership--that is the game changer."

Privately, key roles were played by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, who were very active in presenting Bush's views to the legislators and pushing for action. The bill will now go to the full Senate, probably next week, where it faces strong criticism. If it passes the Senate, it will get rough treatment in the House, where many conservatives favor a tougher approach.

For example, Rep. Brian Bilbray, a Republican from California who is active on immigration issues, immediately condemned the bill and said it would encourage more illegal immigration, not less. He predicted a huge fight in the House.

--Kenneth T. Walsh