Seven points in the immigration bill

Democrats focus proposal on enforcement, legalization.

Democrats unveiled a 26-page proposal on immigration Thursday evening that closely follows a bipartisan draft hashed out by Sens. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) earlier this year.
Here are the main points:
* Enforce borders: The lawmakers plan to increase the number of border patrol officers and provide them with better equipment to detect fraud and smuggling. They also want to install ground sensors throughout the southern border to make it easier to detect illegal border crossing.
* Free up jails: The proposal calls for the deportation of illegal immigrants currently detained in federal and local prisons. Going forward, judges should minimize detention when possible.
* Verify workers: The Social Security Administration would begin issuing fraud-resistant social security cards that include a unique biometric identifier. Employers would have to verify work authorization using the new biometric system.
* Fine employers: Companies that knowingly hire illegal immigrants would face greater fines. Employers would no longer be able to deduct the wages of unverified workers from their tax returns.
* Legalize immigrants: For the 12 million illegal immigrants already living in the United States, the proposal creates a path to citizenship. A person would begin by passing a criminal background check and paying pending fees and taxes. Eight years later, they could apply for legal resident status by demonstrating, among other things, English-language skills.
* Legalize spouses: The lawmakers plan to give legal resident status to what they call "permanent partners" of U.S. citizens. They also plan to address immigration benefits for widows, orphans, and adopted children of U.S. citizens.
* Amend visas: Foreign students who have or seek to attain U.S. degrees could apply for green cards, and foreign workers with visas could attain legal residency. A new provisional visa would be created for low-skilled workers, but employers would be encouraged to hire U.S. citizens before foreigners.
-- Ambreen Ali, Congress.org

Read more on our blog: Tea parties take on immigration. Some conservative activists are pushing other state legislatures to adopt Arizona's provisions. They also oppose the Democratic bill in Congress. ... Opponents call for Arizona boycott. Activists are trageting the state's major-league baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. ... It's not the first time a state has been boycotted. ... Supporters, meantime, hope to counter the boycott. ... Student activists are becoming the face of the pro-immigration fight. Four activists walked from Miami to Washington, D.C.

Take a Stand: Immigration

The Democratic proposal focuses on border security first, including expanding the number of border patrol officers and deporting illegal immigrants in prison.

But it also creates a pathway to citizenship for the 12 million illegal immigrants already in the country.

A person would begin by passing a criminal background check and paying pending fees and taxes. Eight years later, they could apply for legal resident status by demonstrating, among other things, English-language skills.

Opponents criticize this measure as "amnesty," but supporters say it is a necessary part of the plan.

Click the appropriate link below to send your letter to Obama and your Members of Congress.

Pass the Democrats' Immigration Bill

Allow illegal immigrants a path to citizenship

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