"That IS different than Bush's plan...Bush wants to let all persons born in Mexico (who still live there) have access to everything Americans citizens have in America...
Pelosi's plan sounds better...At least she requires the illegals to live here..."
Have you read the transcript to President Bush's speech?
It would NOT give them everything a citizen is entitled too. They'd only be here on a temporary work permit which is less than what a legal resident [not citizen, legal resident] is entitled too. It certainly wouldn't give them the right to vote.
I would assume to be able to qualify for legal residency which would then enable them to become citizens they would be required to first return to their own country and enter the US under the rules of legal immigration as they now stand.
To maintain their legal residency if they did not apply for citizenship they would still be required to renew their registration every ten years at an immigration centre to remain legal. Again this does not entitle them to vote in any elections. THAT IS A PRIVILIGE FOR US CITIZENS ONLY!
Not according to the government. Legal residents can vote in many local elections (mayor, etc.).
Voting: One of the most important privileges of democracy in the United States of America is the right to participate in choosing elected officials through voting. As a Permanent Resident you can only vote in local and state elections that do not require you to be a US citizen. It is very important that you do not vote in national, state or local elections that require a voter to be a US citizen when you are not a US citizen. There are criminal penalties for voting when you are not a US citizen and it is a requirement for voting. You can be removed (deported) from the US if you vote in elections limited to US citizens.
o To vote in local elections where United States Citizenship is not required. Click here for more details on voting.
http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/PermRes.htm