Immigration Proposal Would Increase Number Eligible to Apply for Citizenship

Tuesday , December 26, 2006

WASHINGTON — Legislation reportedly being developed ahead of Congress' return next week aims to expand the number of illegal immigrants that could become eligible for citizenship beyond the estimated 7 million given the opportunity in a bill that won Senate support earlier this year but fell in the House.

The bill would mark a significant shift in immigration strategy because it would abandon a requirement that would force illegal immigrants to leave the country before they can apply for U.S. citizenship, according to a report Tuesday in the New York Times. Changing that provision would make the initial number of immigrants eligible to apply for citizenship about 10 million or more.

The Times reports that, to gain citizenship, the immigrants would have to maintain employment, pay fines and back taxes and try to learn English. They also would have to pass a criminal or security background check..

The group working on the bill includes Sens. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., and John McCain, R-Ariz., who pushed hard for this year's failed bill. The Democrat takeover has fueled hopes for new immigration reform.