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WASHINGTON β€” The complex immigration reform bill coming up for debate in the Senate seems to have something for everyone to dislike, but several lawmakers on Sunday said it's the best chance to get legislation passed that addresses the millions of workers who have entered the nation illegally through its porous borders.

The centerpiece of the new legislation is a "Z visa," to be offered to some 12 million illegals if they pay fines, learn English and return to their countries to file paperwork. That would set them on their way toward permanent residency.

Separately, a temporary guest worker program would be set up to allow foreign nationals to work in the U.S. for up to three two-years stints provided they return to their home country for a year in between each work period.

Several influential senators from both parties insist the bill does not offer amnesty and is the best chance at compromise.

"To my colleagues who come on the floor to tear this bill down with no alternative, you're not doing this country a service, and I will push back," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., one of the lawmakers involved in the negotiations.

"It is not amnesty, it is well balanced," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. "It makes major reforms in immigration, it does provide a path for legalization for the 10-12 million."

But plenty of lawmakers are having trouble with the bill.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said the only way to reach a compromise is to move forward with the debate that starts Monday and then take a couple weeks "to give everybody the opportunity in the Senate to feel like they've had their chance to offer amendments that they think would improve the bill."

McConnell said much of the bill's survival depends on a provision that sets triggers to be met on border security and worker documentation before moving forward on giving legal standing to illegals.

"One thing is for sure: If this bill gives them any preferential treatment toward citizenship over people who came into the country in the proper way, that's a non-starter," McConnell said.

On the other side of the aisle, the concern is for preserving families. The bill makes it harder for illegal immigrants to bring over adult children, siblings and parents. Another major objection is the lack of a path to citizenship for temporary workers who are expected to come and go ever few years.

"They're going to bring wage rates down, and after their time is up, they're probably going to stay in the country and become a new group of illegal immigrants," Sen Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said.

Looking for a crowning achievement to cap a difficult second term, President Bush said in his radio address on Saturday that the bill brings the U.S. closer to an enforceable border and immigration system.

"I realize that many hold strong convictions on this issue, and reaching an agreement was not easy," Bush said. "I appreciate the effort of senators who came together to craft this important legislation. This bill brings us closer to an immigration system that enforces our laws and upholds the great American tradition of welcoming those who share our values and our love of freedom."

Graham and Schumer on Fox News Sunday, talk about imigration, gonzalez and iraq

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