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U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez|
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Legislators from both sides of the political aisle in the Senate are continuing negotiations on a bipartisan immigration reform bill, the details of which could be officially unveiled this afternoon or tomorrow.
Senators are crafting a bill that could include what are being called a "skills-based" and "employment-based" provisions, such as a "guest worker" program, a longer waiting period for legal residency, and a requirement that undocumented immigrants learn English and pay large fines before even applying for legal residency, in addition to restricting immigrants from bringing family members to the United States legally.
President Bush, who used his Saturday weekly radio address to speak about immigration reform, particularly his support for a guestworker program -- has been dispatching high-ranking members of his administration to lobby Congress.
"Democrats and Republicans agree that our current immigration system is in need of reform. We agree that we need a system where our laws are respected. We agree that we need a system that meets the legitimate needs of workers and employers. And we agree that we need a system that treats people with dignity and helps newcomers assimilate into our society," Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutiérrez said during a speech today at the National Press Club in downtown Washington.
He added that the administration supports a system of worker verification. "We need a system that allows employers to feel confident that the employees they hire are here legally. This system can not be a burden to employers — it has to be reliable and efficient. The business community should not be expected to serve as the 'immigration police.'"