WASHINGTON, May 19: President George W. Bush rushed on Saturday to patch up a sudden rift with his most faithful Republican allies, who have supported him on Iraq but have now revolted against a White House-backed immigration reform proposal.

With top conservatives crying “sellout”, the president used his weekly radio address to emphasise hurdles rather than opportunities an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants will have to face if they choose to legalise their status.

“This legislation will end chain migration by limiting the relatives who can automatically receive green (permanent resident) cards to spouses and minor children,” Bush said.

He added that future immigration decisions will be based on the level of applicants’ professional skills, education and English proficiency rather than family ties to those already in the United States.

Some conservative analysts have expressed concern the reform may pave the way to the United States for as many as 50 million newcomers over the next several decades because legalisation will make the 12 million illegals now in the country eligible to bring in family members.

The bipartisan compromise, announced by a group of US senators with great fanfare on Thursday, establishes a temporary worker programme that illegal aliens would be able to join by applying to a renewable “Z” visa and paying a $5,000 fine.

But it will allow programme participants to eventually seek permanent residency and citizenship, although only after returning to their countries of origin.

Bush quickly endorsed the proposal and reiterated his support on Saturday, saying the reform will “restore respect for the law, and meet the legitimate needs of our economy”. But he is facing an open revolt on the Republican Party’s right flank that has staunchly supported him on Iraq and now feels betrayed by the White House.

“It’s a big government fantasy with no hope of becoming reality,” said Newt Gingrich, a former Republican speaker of the House of Representatives who is now mulling a 2008 White House run.

Republican Representative Tom Tancredo, a longshot presidential candidate, called the immigration plan “a slap in the face” of hard-working Americans.

“The president is so desperate for a legacy and a domestic policy win that he is willing to sell out the American people and our national security,” Tancredo said.—AFP