Immigrant Rights Groups Condemn New Senate Proposal To Overhaul Nation's Immigration Laws

A bipartisan group of Senators has proposed sweeping changes to the nation's immigration laws. The bill calls for increased security on the U.S.-Mexican border, the hiring of 18,000 more Border Agents and new requirements for employers to check the immigration status of employees. The bill would allow undocumented immigrants to continue to work here if they fulfill a number of requirements including paying a $5,000 fine and getting a biometric identification card. The bill would also set up a point system to determine who merits a new type of visa. The Senate proposal would also allow up to 600,000 temporary workers to come to the United States each year.

Democratic leaders are calling the bill a compromise reached under difficult political circumstances. Several Republicans – including President Bush – have voiced support for the measure. However many immigrants rights advocates are expressing concern. Some say the proposal would create a permanent underclass of immigrant workers. We are joined now by Stan Mark. He is Program Director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund.

* Stan Mark, Program Director of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund

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