SAN ANTONIO -- President Bush made a pitch for his proposed temporary worker program before the nation's largest Hispanic rights group on Thursday.

Bush, via satellite, addressed the League of United Latin American Citizens convention in San Antonio.

Bush proposed allowing legal and illegal immigrants to work in the United States under renewable three-year permits.

The president also praised the fast-growing Hispanic population as a fertile ground for small business creation.

Bush told LULAC delegates that the U.S. economy was stronger and our society better off because Hispanic businesses are thriving and creating jobs across America.

On Saturday, LULAC members are expected to hear from Democratic presidential hopeful John Kerry.