US senators strike deal on immigration overhaul

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US senators strike deal on immigration overhaul
17 May 2007 17:16:12 GMT
Source: Reuters

By Donna Smith

WASHINGTON, May 17 (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of U.S. senators
reached agreement on Thursday on an immigration reform bill that would
legalize millions of illegal immigrants and establish a merit-based
system for future migrants, lawmakers said.

Details of the agreement were set to be released at a news conference
the group scheduled for 1:30 p.m (1730 GMT). Negotiators, led by Sen.
Edward Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Sen. Jon Kyl, an Arizona
Republican, worked out the final details on Thursday morning.

The legislation would create a temporary worker program that would
require laborers to return home after a period of time. Tough border
security and workplace enforcement measures would go into place before
the temporary worker program, congressional aides said.

The proposal would limit family-based migration to immediate family
members and establish a merit-based system by which future migrants
could earn points for skills, education, understanding of English
and family ties.

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