Bush calls for 'dramatic' boost in border controls

WASHINGTON, May 15 (Reuters) President George W Bush today called for dramatic improvements in efforts to stem the flow of illegal immigrants from Mexico and said: ''We do not yet have full control of the border.'' Bush, in excerpts from a nationally televised address to be delivered from the Oval Office at 0530 hrs Ist, insisted, however: ''I am determined to change that.'' Bush planned to announce the deployment of more than 5,000 National Guard troops along the U.S.-Mexico border to support efforts to catch illegal immigrants, a senior US official said.

He also intended to renew his call for a guest-worker program opposed by many conservatives but which he says is essential to a comprehensive overhaul of US immigration law.

''We must reduce the numbers of people trying to sneak across,'' Bush planned to say.

''Tonight I am calling on Congress to provide funding for dramatic improvements in manpower and technology at the border.'' REUTERS 0330