The Senate's ready to vote

Today's the day. The Senate is ready to vote on the illegal immigration policy.

Republicans don't like the amnesty idea for the illegal workforce. It's called AgJobs, sponsored by Sen. Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho) and co-sponsored by Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.). It would give a two-step process for illegal farmworkers to obtain permanent residency. Then, any permanent resident can apply for citizenship and so can their spouses and children.

"It's put farmworkers on the front burner," said Marc Grossman, spokesperson for the United Farm Workers union.

He also said half of the nation's 500,000 illegal farmworkers are in California.

Bush supports a guest-worker program that would let illegal immigrants legalize their status in the United States temporarily - but wouldn't offer an option for citizenship.

One person who doesn't want to "reward" illegal workers with permanent residency is Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.).

"We don't want to put anybody on a path to legal status," Chambliss said. "We grant them temporary status...They will return to their native land."

L.A. Times - April 19, 2005
By Mary Curtius, Times Staff Writer
Illegal Immigration Policy Is at Crossroads in Senate

One plan could legalize half a million workers, another would tighten border controls.