Bush changes few minds in meeting with Senate Republicans on immigration overhaul

President George W. Bush didn't persuade many opponents into supporting his amnesty plan in a rare luncheon meeting Tuesday with Senate Republicans aimed at reviving the stalled legislation. He acknowledged that the bill ignited passions but said he believes it is the best way to protect U.S. borders.

The Senators said Bush did not twist arms, but also failed to win new support during the luncheon. The President spent most of his time talking about the amnesty 'compromise' that was brokered by the White House and a bipartisan group of senators.

"I don't think he changed any minds,' admitted said Sen. Mel Martinez, a Florida Republican who helped negotiate the proposal.

The bill's supporters hope to bring it back for a vote in the Senate and are working to break the impasse by coming up with a list of amendments that would be considered.