Bush opposes Hispanic National Anthem: Sing it in English

President George W. Bush said Friday the national anthem should be sung in English, not Spanish in a blunt rejection of a new Spanish-language version. He also expressed opposition to a national work stoppage called for Monday to dramatize the importance of immigrants to the U.S. economy.

Photo: Bush opposes Hispanic National Anthem: Sing it in English

"I'm not a supporter of boycotts," Bush said, while restating his support for a comprehensive overhaul of immigration laws.

Bush made his comments at a news conference as a Spanish-language version of "The Star Spangled Banner," hit the airways featuring artists such as Wyclef Jean, hip-hop star Pitbull and Puerto Rican singers Carlos Ponce and Olga Tanon.

Called "Nuestro Himno" - "Our Anthem", the Spanish version rewrites some of the English version. For instance, the second stanza says, "My people keep fighting. It's time to break the chains."

"I think people who want to be a citizen of this country ought to learn English and they ought to learn to sing the national anthem in English," Bush said.

Monday's planned boycott and the emergence of a Spanish-language anthem are ingredients in a U.S. debate over how to deal with an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States. It is an issue that has sent hundreds of thousands of protesters into the streets of major U.S. cities to demand the lowering of citizenship barriers. Congress is struggling to deal with the issue, and the House of Representatives and Senate are moving on opposite tracks.

"I understand how difficult this issue is for some people here in Washington and around the country," Bush said. His approach calls for a temporary guest worker program, tougher enforcement of laws against hiring illegal immigrants and stricter border controls.

Acknowledging that it has become a highly charged topic, Bush said, "One of the things that's very important is when we debate this issue that we not lose our national soul."

British music producer Adam Kidron, who came up with the idea of the Spanish anthem, said it was not intended to discourage immigrants from learning English or embracing American culture.

"We instead view `Nuestro Himno' as a song that affords those immigrants that have not yet learned the English language the opportunity to fully understand the character of 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' the American flag and the ideals of freedom that they represent," Kidron said in a written statement.

Monday's protest is dubbed "A day Without Immigrants. Activists are urging immigrants across the United States to skip work, avoid spending money and march in the streets. But there are concerns that such protests will make immigrants look anti-American, annoy the public and alienate lawmakers in Washington

Senate leaders, meanwhile, edged closer to an agreement that could clear the way for passage of broad immigration legislation.

Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid told reporters he was dropping two demands that contributed to gridlock several weeks ago. He said he would no longer insist that conservative critics be limited to three chances to change the bill before it passes. And he said he would no longer try to dictate which Republicans are named to negotiate a final bill with the House.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has said he wants votes on 20 or more amendments, and that it is not up to Democrats to decide which Republicans are picked to bargain with the House. At the same time, he has been meeting privately with fellow Republicans this week to reduce the number of amendments, reports AP.

O.Ch.