President Bush announced Tuesday that illegal aliens from Mexico could apply for legal status, reports the Washington Times. Along with Social Security and medicare health benefits, the new U.S. citizens will receive complimentary membership in the Republican Party. While critics of the plan called it a shameless ploy to pander to the immigrant vote, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said, "The president has long talked about the importance of having an immigration policy that matches willing voters with willing candidates."