Last Thursday, the American Senate favored a comprehensive
immigration reform that would open the opportunity for millions of illegal immigrants working in the US to legalize their status in the country. Despite the strong opposition from the Republican Party and from many Americans, the Senate voted 62-36. The immigration bill was supported by Republican President George W. Bush and the bipartisan backing of Senators John McCain (Republican) and Edward Kennedy (Democratic).
Needless to say, its final adoption is not yet fully guaranteed since it differs significantly from the bill passed by the lower House of Representatives. It is very important that the two laws must reconcile. Meanwhile the Senate bill would grant around 200,000 temporary visas for foreign workers who will be assuming low-skilled jobs in the nation. Moreover, it would also reinforce security at the US-Mexico border.
However, the most controversial part of the bill is the provision that would enable around 11.5M
illegal foreign workers, mostly from Mexico, to seek legal status. The bill also includes the construction of a 370 mile wall at the US-Mexico border in order to reduce the number of illegal entry. Meanwhile, Mexican Leader Vicente Fox has visited the US in order to discuss the labor and the repercussions of the new immigration law.
