WASHINGTON — President Bush wants to send 6,000 National Guard members to assist the Border Patrol to prevent illegal crossings into the United States, he said Monday in a televised address to the nation.

Just hours after the Senate again began debate on an immigration reform bill, Bush outlined his ideas on what the nation's immigration policy should look like.

"We must always remember that real lives will be affected by our debates and decisions and that every human being has dignity and value no matter what their citizenship papers say," Bush said.

Activists on all sides of the immigration debate have taken to the streets in large demonstrations around the country in recent weeks as the Senate prepares to vote on a bill that could affect the Utah work force and residents.

In addition to using National Guard members to operate new high-tech surveillance systems, upgrade fences and help train Border Patrol members, Bush also called for a temporary guest worker program, more beds in detention centers and an emphasis on immigrants learning the English language.

He stressed his opposition toward amnesty for those coming into or continuing to live in the United States illegally — but suggested they be fined and have to work in a job a certain number of years before going on the path toward legal citizenship.

"There is a rational middle ground between granting an automatic path to citizenship for every illegal immigrant and a program of mass deportation," Bush said. "That middle ground recognizes that there are differences between an illegal immigrant who crossed the border recently — and someone who has worked here for many years and has a home, a family and an otherwise clean record."

Bush insisted the country is not going to "militarize the southern border."

"Mexico is our neighbor and our friend," Bush said. "We will continue to work cooperatively to improve security on both sides of the border, to confront common problems like drug trafficking and crime ... and to reduce illegal immigration."

Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, said Congress has requested increases to the Border Patrol in the past and has authorized the president to get more people to watch the border, but it hasn't happened.

He said what the president outlined is "amazingly similar" to what his immigration reform committee found earlier this year. Cannon said the president — like the rest of the country — is reacting strongly to the demonstrations that have taken place. He said people are worried about security and other scenarios associated with illegal immigrants.

Sharon Farnsworth Ekins said the immigration debate is important enough that her husband, Shirl Ekins, planned to be home from his Santaquin orchard in time to watch Bush's address.