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US 'deal' on illegal immigrants US 'deal' on illegal immigrants
(30 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. The White House and the US Senate have reached a deal on an immigration bill that could give legal status to many of the 12m illegal immigrants in the US.
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 proposal comes after months of bitterly fought debate over the issue.
Points systemPoints 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 (£2,530) fine - and returning to their home country - illegal immigrants in the US would be eligible for the planned "Z visa".
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". Holders of this proposed visa would have to wait between eight and 13 years for a decision on their permanent residency application.
The permanent residency application process would take between eight and 13 years under the proposed bill. Another key component of the deal was the establishment of a "points system" that would emphasise new immigrants' education, language and job skills over family connections in awarding green cards.
New limits would also apply to US citizens bringing foreign-born parents into the country.
The bill also establishes a two-year temporary guest worker visa.
Holders of this visa would be allowed to renew their papers twice, but would have to return home for a year between each stint, and would have virtually no chance of gaining permanent residency or citizenship under this program.
The bill is expected to cause passionate debate in the Senate next week.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".Immigration reform has been one of Mr Bush's top priorities in government, after the so-called "war on terror".