The Telegraph
George W Bush, the former US president, has painted portraits of 43 immigrants that will be released in a controversial new book about immigration. The 74-year-old has painted portraits of 43 immigrants and written their stories in "Out of Many, One" but has come under fire after critics pointed to his record as president which included setting up the scandal–plagued Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The media blitz includes an op-ed in the Washington Post, a ‘virtual conversation’ with Arnold Schwarzenegger, an appearance on a late-night talk show and interviews with several major broadcasters. The hobbyist painter has previously created a number of works on world leaders and military veterans but has now turned his focus to immigrants in America, trying to “humanise” the debate. “I do want to say to Congress, 'Please put aside all the harsh rhetoric about immigration, “ he said in an interview with CBS. “'Please put aside trying to score political points on either side.' I hope I can help set a tone that is more respectful about the immigrant, which may lead to reform of the system." But Mr Bush has already taken a swipe at the current immigration system in the United States, calling it “broken.” A statement on the Bush Centre website says: “Every year that goes by without reforming our broken immigration system means missed opportunities to ensure the future prosperity, vitality, and security of our nation.”