Is this the beginning of a McCain/Pelosi bill?
Sure smells like it.
That is the key right there. It is amnesty. Immigration law clearly states that if an alien is in the country legally for >>> five years <<< they are eligible to apply for citizenship. There is no qualification as to how they do it so long as they are here legally.
This is why you always see these "temporary" work permits that are set to at least five years. It is a ticket to amnesty.