Jeb Bush to GOP: Change ‘tone’ on immigration

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R), in an interview aired Sunday, criticized Republicans who have taken a hard line on immigration policy.

"Is it a useful tool politically for some Republicans to stay focused on the political issue, the wedge issue? It might be, I don't know, but I don't think that's right for our country," Bush said in an interview on NBC.

Although he said tough immigration stances may help Republicans in some states, he worried that in the long-term, it will cost Republicans votes with Hispanics, a rapidly growing segment of the population.

"We've got to have a better tone going forward over the long haul for sure," Bush said. "You can't ask people to join your cause and then send a signal that you're really not wanted. It just doesn't work."

Bush emphasized that he believes it is important to secure the border and block illegal immigration. But he argued that allowing more young people to work legally in the country would boost economic growth.

"We need young aspirational people to come to our country so that we can grow over a sustained period of time at a high rate," Bush said.

Bush supports the Dream Act, which would give legal status to some young people brought to the country illegally. 

In the 2008 election, Obama took 67 percent to GOP nominee Sen. John McCain’s (Ariz.) 32. 

The Romney campaign told The Hill this week it needs to take 38 percent of the Hispanic vote to defeat President Obama. 

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