"It seems to be more of a finished product, more concrete than what the president announced," Chacon said. "The president was very eloquent about the value of Hispanic immigration, but he gave few details about what he wants to do. We are tired of promises, and we are looking for action."*
(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)
Immigration plans
Congressional Democrats plan to unveil an immigration reform bill next week. How the main points compare to Bush's principles for reform:
Illegal immigrants
Democrats: Those who have lived in the United States at least five years, worked at least 24 months, pass a background check and medical exam, and demonstrate English proficiency could obtain permanent resident status (green cards). Those here for less than five years could apply for temporary status.
Bush: Illegal immigrants could apply for a temporary worker card, but would have to seek green cards separately and would get no special consideration. They would have to pass a background check and pay a registration fee. The temporary worker card would be good for three years and could be renewed for another three.
Guest workers
Democrats: A maximum of 350,000 guest workers could be admitted each year under two new programs. Employers must certify that U.S. workers are not available and the Labor Department must find that employment of foreign workers would not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of U.S. workers. Workers could seek green cards after two years.
Bush: No limit on number of guest workers. Would match willing workers with willing employers, when no U.S. worker could be found for the job. Guest workers could bring their immediate families, and would be covered by U.S. wage and workplace safety laws. Workers could save money in tax-sheltered accounts to build a nest egg for their return home. They would get credit for Social Security contributions.
Legal immigration
Democrats: Would promote family reunification by reducing or eliminating the years of waiting that legal immigrants now face to bring relatives to the U.S. from their home countries.
Bush: Would seek what he described as a reasonable increase in legal immigration. The U.S. now admits about 1 million legal immigrants a year.
Enforcement
Democrats: No major new enforcement initiatives.
Bush: Would increase enforcement against employers who continue to hire illegal immigrants.
Los Angeles Times
