Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)
and Senator Lindsey O. Graham (R-SC) have laid out a framework for a
comprehensive, bi-partisan immigration reform bill that would
include tougher border enforcement, creation of biometric Social
Security Cards and a path to legalization for the nation's estimated
11 million undocumented immigrants.
The announcement of the plan which
brought immediate praise from President Obama, comes days before a
pro-immigration march scheduled for the nation's capital on Sunday.
"It thoughtfully addresses the
need to shore up our borders, and demands accountability from both
workers who are here illegally and employers who game the system"
Obama said in a prepared statement.
"A critical step would be to
translate their framework into a legislative proposal, and for
Congress to act at the earliest possible opportunity."
The plan includes four basic
pillars, including the creation of biometric Social Security cards
to ensure illegal workers cannot get jobs in the future; fulfilling
and strengthening border security and interior enforcement; creating
a process for admitting temporary workers; and implementing a tough
but fair path to legalization for those already here.
--Anna Gorman
