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.
I’m startin’ to get on board with the impeachment folks.
Treason is the reason.
__________________________________
Geez did you see how fast post #6 got pulled.
They never respond when you question their totalitarian authority. Give em a little power and they get all psycho.
Clinton sold us out to the Chinese for campaign cash. I'd don't think that was better.
“I will remember this, as will millions of others.”
________________________________________
Ditto
What illegal alien in his right mind would pony up $5,000 plus fees for a Z1 Visa if he can get the same benefits for free by remaining in the same status as he/she is in now. I would venture to bet, just like the deal struck in 1986, this legislation will not do anything to change the status quo.
Bush is asking republicans in congress to:
1) Support amnesty, which will endanger them in the primaries
2) If they survive the primaries, support the war, which will endanger them in the elections
Well that does it.Those spinless coward ba$tard traitors have just secured OUR White House for Madame Clinton and her first @$$hole.I seriously doubt the republicans will be in power after 2008 for the remainder of the century.We will finally get Hillary-care driven down our throats.If you think health care is expensive now,just wait ‘til it’s free!!!!!!!!
Jorge Arbusto and the Senate have just signed the surrender documents without firing a shot. Here is our new flag: I'll bet there are another 30 - 50 million just waiting to invade. The invasion of the United States by the criminal army of Aztlan is complete.
Hell no.
In fact, as far as I’m concerned, there ARE no laws in the US that I am bound to respect.
Sorry. I you’re a white or asian male, you must obey all laws. Anything other than, wink wink.
Australia
This bill does. That was in the news article. “Family connections can’t get you a green card.”
This is likely the end of the ‘Anchor Baby’.
Never. This bill will encourage more and more.
mark for later
I don’t think they want us, but it seems like the last best hope.
So rewarding the breaking of law restores the rule of law?
How about I stop paying speeding tickets until a law comes along and resets it? Why follow any law if another will come along and reward me for breaking the first?
Just imagine the attitude of and message sent to these 96 million illegals-now-citizens by their first official act in the U.S. being a reward of their ignorance and lack of respect for our rule of law.
The 'rule of law' is being thrown out the window.
Time to get a gun to prepare for anarchy.
Isn’t El Guapo the chief villain in the Three Amigos?
Si, it is where I learned muy bien Espanol!
I'd be afraid el Presidente would use them against me since I'm not a mexican.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.