Posted on 05/17/2007 12:16:18 PM PDT by 300magnum
WASHINGTON - Key senators in both parties and the White House announced agreement Thursday on an immigration overhaul that would grant quick legal status to millions of illegal immigrants already in the U.S. and fortify the border.
The plan would create a temporary worker program to bring new arrivals to the U.S and a separate program to cover agricultural workers. Skills and education-level would for the first time be weighted over family connections in deciding whether future immigrants should get permanent legal status. New high-tech employment verification measures also would be instituted to ensure that workers are here legally.
The compromise came after weeks of painstaking closed-door negotiations that brought the most liberal Democrats and the most conservative Republicans together with President Bush's Cabinet officers to produce a highly complex measure that carries heavy political consequences.
Bush called it "a much-needed solution to the problem of illegal immigration in this country" and said, if approved, the proposal "delivers an immigration system that is secure, productive, orderly and fair."
"With this bipartisan agreement, I am confident leaders in Washington can have a serious, civil and conclusive debate so I can sign comprehensive reform into law this year," he said in a written statement. Bush planned to make remarks about the bill later Thursday at the White House.
Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, his party's lead negotiator on the deal, hailed it as "the best possible chance we will have in years to secure our borders and bring millions of people out of the shadows and into the sunshine of America."
Anticipating criticism from conservatives, Sen. Arlen Specter (news, bio, voting record), R-Pa., said, "It is not amnesty. This will restore the rule of law."
The accord sets the stage for what promises to be a bruising battle next week in the Senate on one of Bush's top non-war priorities.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (news, bio, voting record), D-Nev., called the proposal a "starting point" for that debate, but added that it needs improvement.
"I have serious concerns about some aspects of this proposal, including the structure of the temporary worker program and undue limitations on family immigration," Reid said in a statement.
The key breakthrough came when negotiators struck a bargain on a so-called "point system" that prioritizes immigrants' education and skill level over family connections in deciding how to award green cards.
The immigration issue also divides both parties in the House, which isn't expected to act unless the Senate passes a bill first.
The proposed agreement would allow illegal immigrants to come forward and obtain a "Z visa" and — after paying fees and a $5,000 fine — ultimately get on track for permanent residency, which could take between eight and 13 years. Heads of household would have to return to their home countries first.
They could come forward right away to claim a probationary card that would let them live and work legally in the U.S., but could not begin the path to permanent residency or citizenship until border security improvements and the high-tech worker identification program were completed.
A new temporary guest worker program would also have to wait until those so-called "triggers" had been activated.
Those workers would have to return home after work stints of two years, with little opportunity to gain permanent legal status or ever become U.S. citizens. They could renew their guest worker visas twice, but would be required to leave for a year in between each time.
Democrats had pressed instead for guest workers to be permitted to stay and work indefinitely in the U.S.
In perhaps the most hotly debated change, the proposed plan would shift from an immigration system primarily weighted toward family ties toward one with preferences for people with advanced degrees and sophisticated skills. Republicans have long sought such revisions, which they say are needed to end "chain migration" that harms the economy, while some Democrats and liberal groups say it's an unfair system that rips families apart.
Family connections alone would no longer be enough to qualify for a green card — except for spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens.
New limits would apply to U.S. citizens seeking to bring foreign-born parents into the country.
Maybe so, but since all the illegals will be voting DemonRAT, it won't matter who is the GOP candidate for Prez. The GOP is officially dead in the water!
His brother Bill was the first black president, now we have the first Hispanic president.
Bush hails deal on immigration reform
And THIS is why Bush has an approval rating in the 20% range
It's not amnesty, just like Senate obstructionism during judicial confirmations wasn't really obstructionism, right Arlen?
That was the first laugh I’ve had all day!
NEVER AGAIN - no more money and no more volunteer hours for the grand ole GOP
The conservative movement has now been set adrift....like so much jetsam.
Our champion has become our betrayer, IMHO.
After today it’s headed lower.
There was a time when I was proud Bush was my President. That's faded very quickly these last couple of years.
Bless you darlin'. I am sure you were just a good, honest American, like most, sent to fight for the elites. It is so disgusting.
You do know that we pray for you guys daily. You deserve better than you have gotten.
To think you are sent to fight for people with money, and sacrificed for their gain.
From here on out, its time for the elite to send their own into battle. I am sorry, I am so shamed for the treatment of my son and the people who have had to sacrifice for a government that is so selfish.
Off to Liberty Post with you.
The enforcement will be exactly what we get now- none.
Senator Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., seated, and others, takes part in a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, May 17, 2007, to discuss immigration reform legislation. Standing, from left are, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez, Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook)
Who in their right mind thinks they will pay a fine and go home and back?
IBTZ
Please. You can’t be series.
Me too.....I’m went from being Proud to despising him for this..
Bush has agreed to both surrender and has castrated the Republican Party. With another 20 million socialists who do not speak English, our nation as we know it will quickly die.
Great tagline. LOL
Yea, they're already lining up to pay the fine then head back to Mexico to wait for approval. You're right, it really is a scam. On us!
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