Bush pushes his immigration plan

There have been a series of protests against tougher laws

US President George W Bush has called on the Senate to pass controversial reform of immigration laws, including plans for a guest worker programme.

"I strongly urge them to come to a conclusion as quickly as possible and pass a comprehensive bill," he said.

The Senate has been debating reforms that could allow illegal immigrants to get citizenship after an 11-year wait.

There have been large protests across the US against tougher immigration laws passed in the House of Representatives.

'Secure borders'

Late last year the House approved tighter border controls but not the temporary work visas sought by President Bush.

When the Senate comes up with its own version of immigration reform, it will then have to be reconciled with the House bill in a process that many believe will take months.

Mr Bush said he wanted a bill that would "secure our borders" and "cause the people in the interior of this country to recognise and enforce the law".

He said he wanted a guest worker provision that was not seen as an amnesty and that would "recognise that there are people here working hard for jobs Americans won't do".

There are an estimated 11.5 million immigrants in the United States illegally.