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US 'deal' on illegal immigrants | US 'deal' on illegal immigrants |
(20 minutes later) | |
The White House and the US Senate have reached a deal on an immigration bill that could give legal status to millions of illegal immigrants. | |
Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy confirmed the agreement that would also establish a merit-based system for future migrants. | Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy confirmed the agreement that would also establish a merit-based system for future migrants. |
US President George W Bush is expected to endorse the bill, which strengthens border controls, Mr Kennedy said. | US President George W Bush is expected to endorse the bill, which strengthens border controls, Mr Kennedy said. |
The bipartisan group is set to announce details of the accord on Thursday. | The bipartisan group is set to announce details of the accord on Thursday. |
Points system | |
A centrepiece of the deal was the establishment of a "points system" that would emphasise immigrants' education and job skills over family connections in awarding green cards. | |
After first paying visa fees and a $5,000 fine - and returning to their home country - illegal immigrants would be eligible for the new "Z visa". | |
The permanent residency application process would take between eight and 13 years under the proposed bill. | |
The bill is expected to cause passionate debate in the Senate next week. | |
Immigration reform has been one of Mr Bush's top priorities in government, after the so-called "war on terror". |