Jeb Bush says he has `` no problems '' pushing policies in a 2016 Republican presidential primary that would allow more legal immigrants . The former Florida governor discussed his position Tuesday on what could be a key issue for conservative voters in a brief interview with NBC 's Miami affiliate , just hours after announcing on social media that he will `` actively explore '' a run for the White House . `` You 've got ta protect the borders , enforce the law , be respectful of the rule of law , and at the same time , be able to encourage young , aspirational people to come to our country . It 's a win-win , '' Bush said . `` I have no problems advancing that idea . '' Asked whether much of the GOP 's conservative base disagrees with Bush 's position , he responded : `` Well , we 'll see . If I run , we 'll see . '' Bush offered no more details on his timeline for a decision , saying that will come `` at the proper time . '' He said he plans to `` listen to people and see if my message can resonate , and that will be beginning next year . '' Bush is n't the only Republican to call for some expansions of U.S. immigration policies . Incoming Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said this month that the United States needs more H1-B visas , which allow companies to bring skilled workers into the country . But calling for expanded immigration is problematic for many conservatives after a summer of reports of an influx of minors across the U.S.-Mexico border , and after President Barack Obama 's November decision to halt deportations for millions of undocumented parents of U.S. citizens . Bush blasted Obama 's immigration move last month , tweeting that it is an `` abuse of power '' and going to Facebook to say his `` ill-advised unilateral action on illegal immigration undermines all efforts to forge a permanent solution to this crisis . Action must come in the form of bipartisan comprehensive reform passed through Congress . '' RELATED : Potential Bush bid sways none in GOP field . Those comments could put Bush uncomfortably at odds with similar moves -- though smaller in scope -- by both his father , George H.W . Bush , whose `` Family Fairness '' policy allowed 1.5 million relatives of newly legalized immigrants to avoid deportation while pursuing legal status , and his brother , George W. Bush , who protected 150,000 Salvadorans from deportation in 2001 . The issue blew up on another candidate , Texas Gov . Rick Perry , during his 2012 run for the White House . Defending a Texas law granting in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants , Perry said : `` If you say that we should not educate children who have come into our state for no other reason than they 've been brought there by no fault of their own , I do n't think you have a heart . '' He was eviscerated by the right , where many conservatives called his position an endorsement of amnesty . It was among several issues that ultimately sank Perry 's candidacy . Another potential 2016 Republican candidate , Florida Sen. Marco Rubio , could have problems with immigration , as well , after his push for comprehensive legislation drew conservatives ' ire . Judge : Obama 's immigration move unconstitutional .
Former Florida Sen . Jeb Bush says he 'd have ` ` no problems '' defending his call for ` ` young , aspirational people '' to legally immigrate to the United States . His announcement came the day he announced on social media that he will ` ` actively explore '' a run for governor in 2016 .