WASHINGTON, June 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President George W. Bush met Senate Republicans on Tuesday, one day after his return from a trip to Europe, pushing them to move forward on an immigration bill that has stalled in the Senate.

    "This is a highly emotional issue, but those of us standing here believe now is the time to move a comprehensive bill that enforces our borders and has good workplace enforcement," Bush said after a luncheon with Senate Republicans.

    "Now is the time to get it done. It's going to take a lot of hard work, a lot of effort," he said.

    The bill would not grant "automatic citizenship" to millions of illegal immigrants, and would be "the best way to enforce our border," Bush said.

    "The status quo was unacceptable," said the president, urging lawmakers of both parties to pass the legislation.

    On the Democratic side, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said passing the bill was up to the Republicans, who "do not support their own president's bill."

    "Eighty percent of the Democrats support this immigration bill. We've done our job," Reid said. "I don't have to twist an arm. I don't have to pull anybody into a room."

    "It's a question of Republicans supporting their own president," Reid said.

    The Senate failed in a crucial vote last week on the bill that could provide a path toward legal status to the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the country.

    The Senate voted 45-50 against limiting debate on the legislation, which was supported by President George W. Bush and would tighten border security. Most Republicans voted against limiting debate on the bill, while most Democrats supported the move.