Thread: Will Illegal Immigrants Be Granted Legal Status?

Will Illegal Immigrants Be Granted Legal Status?

POSTED: 4:27 pm PDT May 16, 2007

SAN DIEGO -- Illegal immigrants living in San Diego and across the United States could soon be granted legal status, depending on the outcome of meetings between the White House and Senate leaders from both parties.

At issue is the award of points that favor higher-skilled and better-educated immigrants, as well as a proposal to have temporary guest workers return home after work stints of two to three years, NBC 7/39 reported.

There's also controversy over a provision called touchback, which would affect some 12 million illegal immigrants.


Under the plan, those living in the U.S. illegally would have to come forward and apply for a "Z Visa." They would pay a fee and a $5,000 fine, then return to their home countries where they would begin a process for permanent residency that could take between eight and 13 years.

Immigration attorney Lilia Velasquez told NBC 7/39 that people see the plan as "a trap."

"They have reason to be concerned. They don't trust the government, so they really need to get rid of that provision," Velasquez said.

NBC 7/39 spoke to a man in Escondido who said he is an illegal immigrant. He said he is willing to go along with the touchback in order to stay in the United States.

Others see any form of legalization as a setback.

"If we legalize them all, it will all start over again, it will be an attraction for millions more," said Jim Dorcy, former Border Patrol Agent.

In Washington, legislators are working toward a bipartisan agreement in the next day or two so the Senate can debate the issue next week.

http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/1333466 ... o&psp=news

"........ They don't trust the government..........," Velasquez said.

That makes two of us.