This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/6667257.stm
The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| US 'deal' on illegal immigrants | US 'deal' on illegal immigrants |
| (20 minutes later) | |
| The White House and the US Senate have reached a deal on an immigration bill that could give legal status to millions of illegal immigrants. | |
| Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy confirmed the agreement that would also establish a merit-based system for future migrants. | Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy confirmed the agreement that would also establish a merit-based system for future migrants. |
| US President George W Bush is expected to endorse the bill, which strengthens border controls, Mr Kennedy said. | US President George W Bush is expected to endorse the bill, which strengthens border controls, Mr Kennedy said. |
| The bipartisan group is set to announce details of the accord on Thursday. | The bipartisan group is set to announce details of the accord on Thursday. |
| Points system | |
| A centrepiece of the deal was the establishment of a "points system" that would emphasise immigrants' education and job skills over family connections in awarding green cards. | |
| After first paying visa fees and a $5,000 fine - and returning to their home country - illegal immigrants would be eligible for the new "Z visa". | |
| The permanent residency application process would take between eight and 13 years under the proposed bill. | |
| The bill is expected to cause passionate debate in the Senate next week. | |
| Immigration reform has been one of Mr Bush's top priorities in government, after the so-called "war on terror". |