[Washington, DC] Mired in partisan squabbling over a patchwork immigration plan, and stinging from another defeat in Congress, U.S. President George W. Bush turns to popular illusionist Criss Angel for help.

His request: make illegal immigrants disappear.

"I've seen him do some amazing stuff on that Mindfreak, there," the President said, smiling.  "A guy who can make an elephant vanish in a parking lot has a great future in government."

"We've got plenty of stuff we'd like to see... just go away."

To that end, after a third crushing defeat of his immigration compromise at the hands of party-line disagreement, George W. Bush penned a letter to Criss Angel's production company asking for his assistance.

Speaking to Official News Agency on condition of anonymity, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow said, "He doesn't want them to go away forever, that would be wrong, and the President recognizes that.  Although, I'm not sure Cheney does..." he muttered.

"At any rate, he only wants undocumented immigrants gone until after the election.  Or maybe just invisible." 

Criss Angel, 39, whose real name is Christopher Nicholas Sarantakos, a world-renowned illusionist, as well as a musician, stunt performer and actor, won an Academy of Magical Arts award for Magician of the Year for 2005.  He has thrilled his audiences on Broadway and television for years with spectacular feats of magic, illusion, and daring.

He is the star of his own A&E television series entitled, "Criss Angel Mindreak". 

No word yet from either Luxor/Mindfreak Public Relations or Angel responding to the President's request or for comment on it.

Immigration groups, though, are furious at the notion.  Organized marches on the capitol are in the works, a letter writing campaign has already begun, and a nation-wide work stoppage has been proposed in protest to what many feel is the ultimate disrepect of valued members of American society.

Asked for public comment, Los Angeles march organizer Fernando Gonzago replied, "Que?"

More on this story as it unfolds.