More than a month after comprehensive immigration reform died in the Senate, the Bush Administration has responded with a 26-point plan to improve border security within the existing confines of the law. President Bush announced the reforms today and the White House released a fact sheet detailing them.

These reforms represent steps my Administration can take within the boundaries of existing law to better secure our borders, improve worksite enforcement, streamline existing temporary worker programs, and help new immigrants assimilate into American society.

Although the Congress has not addressed our broken immigration system by passing comprehensive reform legislation, my Administration will continue to take every possible step to build upon the progress already made in strengthening our borders, enforcing our worksite laws, keeping our economy well-supplied with vital workers, and helping new Americans learn English.

Conservatives who were displeased with the administration’s support of the Senate bill earlier this year should be heartened by this new proposal. It incorporates some of the very policies we’ve wanted and puts them in place without a confrontation with Congress. My colleague Matt Spalding explains why this plan is the right approach:

With well implemented measures, such as the Administration’s initiative, and lots of old-fashioned perseverance, the U.S. can achieve a comprehensive solution in a reasonable amount of time.

After the immigration debacle in Congress, lawmakers need to regain the trust and confidence of the American people while meeting their solemn obligations to keep the nation safe, prosperous, and free. The Bush Administration’s new initiative is a major step in the right direction.

Spalding has also recorded a short video to summarize what’s happening and why it should work.

Reaction across the conservative spectrum appears favorable. Mitt Romney, who is preparing for tomorrow’s Iowa straw poll, was the first 2008 contender to praise the new approach. It’s also won the backing of Sen. Jon Kyl (R.-Ariz.), the conservative who lobbied for comprehensive reform, and received a favorable response from House Minority Leader John Boehner (R.-Ohio.).