U.S. President George W. Bush on Saturday praised both Democratic and Republic senators for reaching a immigration deal that will benefit millions of Mexicans.

"I realize that many hold strong convictions on this issue, and reaching an agreement was not easy," Bush said in his weekly radio address, after Democratic and Republic senators and the White House reached the deal on Thursday.

"I appreciate the effort of senators who came together to craft this important legislation," he said, adding the bill will bring the country closer to an immigration system that enforces the laws and upholds the American tradition of welcoming those who share American values.

He said the deal would help end "chain migration" by limiting the number of relatives who can automatically receive green cards to spouses and minor children.

The bill is aimed at building a system for immigrants who have the skills, education and English proficiency that will help the United States compete in a global economy, he said.

The White House-backed deal would provide a path to permanent residency and citizenship for the vast majority of mostly Mexican illegal workers, establish a merit-based points system for future immigrants, and set up a low-wage temporary workers program.

It still has to be approved by Congress.

Source: Xinhua