Chertoff 'optimistic' about immigration

WASHINGTON, June 21 (UPI) -- U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said he is "optimistic" that Congress will pass the Bush administration's immigration reform legislation.

Chertoff said Wednesday he believes both sides of the immigration debate are willing to compromise on the reform measures, the Christian Science Monitor reported Thursday. However, he said he doesn't agree with those who say legislation isn't needed.

"Lately what I have heard is, 'Well, just let them be; let them stay' -- what George Will called benign neglect," Chertoff said. "I consider that a silent amnesty. I consider that a way of saying we really are going to let them stay but we are not going to be candid about it. We are not going to tell the American public that we are essentially giving (illegal immigrants) a de facto amnesty."

Chertoff also expressed disagreement with those who argue that his department is too large and unwieldy to be effectively managed.

"The idea that the solution to every problem is to always reorganize everything is completely boneheaded," he said. "There comes a point where you have to recognize you don't grow a plant by tearing it up at the roots every year. You have to let it grow ... So I don't think this department is too big to manage."