Bipartisan proposal for immigration overhaul

Bipartisan proposal for immigration overhaul

WASHINGTON, DC - Calling the nation's immigration system broken, a bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers proposed a major overhaul yesterday that would allow immigrants to work here temporarily and seek citizenship later.

Using the framework of a guest-worker plan touted by President George W. Bush, lawmakers said the measure aims to fix a "broken" system that has allowed millions of undocumented immigrants, particularly entering through Mexico, to work underground and possibly pose security risks.

"The status quo is simply unacceptable," said Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), a co-sponsor of the legislation, adding that the measure requires a partnership with Mexico. "One of the mistakes of the past is to assume we can control illegal immigration on our own." Advocates and lawmakers said the bipartisan legislation stands its best chance of passage this year, particularly because Bush favors such a plan and can nudge the more conservative House. They also say lawmakers are more likely to act on the sensitive topic this year and not during next year's elections. Lawmakers said the measure is not an amnesty program.

"Our borders are not secure. This is a national security issue," said Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), a bill co-sponsor. The plan essentially sets up another visa program, mostly for low-skilled workers. Under the plan, foreign workers must register, have a job lined up and pay a $500 fee. They can work here for up to six years in hard-to-fill jobs. Illegal immigrants already here could also sign up for the program after they pay a $1,000 fine and undergo a background check. At the end of six years and another $1,000 fine, they can apply for a green card.

The measure caps the visas at 400,000 a year, but allows for an increase as needed.

The measure also aims to reduce immigration application backlogs, give states more money to detain illegal immigrants, and boost border security. "This bill does not provide a free pass to anyone," said Kennedy, adding that it doesn't guarantee citizenship. "We offer a fair deal.""

Source: Baltimore Sun
Photo: Associated Press