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.
WTF were they thinking?
They can pass all of the laws they want. The new ones won’t be enforced any better than the old ones were.
In fact, as far as I’m concerned, there ARE no laws in the US that I am bound to respect.
These jackass SOB’s have just seen to that.
hearing report that Sen. John Cornyn says he and others haven’t even seen anything on paper yet,,,
not sure why Sen. Kyl is knee deep in this latest thrust to the gut .. (it’s still a little early to burn the barn or build a funeral pyre for the GOP)
Oh, bull____! A "quick legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants" is AMNESTY.
Republican and Democratic senators huddled Thursday trying to close in on an immigration compromise to grant quick legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants while fortifying U.S. borders against new ones.
Take care of the 12+ million illegals sooner rather than later....... provide better enforcement later rather than sooner.
Can't wait to hear him stammer and stutter about how his long-wished-for betrayal of America is finally coming true.
How nice for the little man that fellow immigration-leftist Pelosi has taken the reigns of the House.
And, what exactly does “fortify” the border mean?
They once told me my breakfast cereal was “fortified” with vitamins, but why use that nonsensical term when refering to the border security.
Oh, wait. I can fortify my back yard fence by putting plastic strips in the chainlink. Maybe that is what they have in mind!!!!!!
Lock and load, the time is coming.....
I called one senator and emailed the other. This is absolutely disgusting.
We need to have a vote of "no confidence" on Bush.
He just spoke and looked so proud of himself. He couldn't wipe that crappy grin off his face.
sw
“si, claro que si, el guapo presidente”
...”yes, the President”. Is all I can get. Better get my old spanish dictionary from HS out.
Someone forgot the BARF ALERT
So, our last defense of US sovereignty is now a democrat controlled House of Representatives? The Senate and the President have surrendered. This is a slap in the face for citizens and immigrants who have patiently waited for citizenship status the legal way.
I can only hope that the 18,000 new Border Patrol agents can be put in place before this new “surrender bill” is authorized. The next flood of new illegals will commence tonight.
Bush lost my support in Apr. 2001. That’s when he first announced that he wanted to give amnesty to some illegal aliens.
I’ll volunteer for Tommy Thompson. He wants to deport as many illegals as possible, as quickly as possible. While he was a governor, he proved that he’s pro-tax cuts, pro-welfare cuts, pro-life, pro-capital punishment, pro-gun rights, and anti-gay marriage.
The boarder and his pandering to certain groups will be his undoing.
Those he needs to worry about, the ones who would support him he will loose with this move. He’s already hurt himself and his party!
Bye bye, president Bush. You legacy will end up like that of Lyndon B Johnson, only with a slight conservative flavor.
I am now for impeachment against horge.
I am absolutely gagging right now.
This is like calling public works because your trash hasn’t been picked up in weeks and having them send you out a couple more cans.
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.