What do the new US rules do? 'Q and A'

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Friday, January 09, 2004

What do the new US rules do? 'Q and A'

Promoting a plan that could brighten his election-year prospects with Hispanic voters, US President Bush Wednesday proposed legal status "at least temporarily "for millions of illegal immigrants working in the United States. Some questions and answers about President George W. Bush's immigration proposals:

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Some questions and answers about President George W. Bush's immigration proposals:

Q: Just what would they do?

A: Bush has released few details, but broadly he proposes the creation of a temporary worker programme that would match workers with US employers when American citizens can't be found to fill the jobs. Illegal immigrants who are working in the country when the programme goes into effect and foreigners wanting to come to the United States to work can participate. Undocumented immigrants would pay a fee to participate.

Q: Would the plan provide amnesty to illegal immigrants already in this country?

A: That depends on how amnesty is defined. Bush's proposal does not provide automatic eligibility for legal permanent residence in the US.

Q: Are Bush's proposals contained in legislation to Congress?

A: No, they are broad principles, an outline of the sort of immigration changes he would support.

Q: Who supports the proposal?

A: Bush's strongest support comes from members of the US business community who have experienced a shortage of American workers to fill service-sector jobs and want a temporary worker programme.

Q: What do immigration advocacy groups say? Do they support it?

A: Migrant advocacy groups feel the proposals fall short of what is needed to manage illegal immigration. They had pushed for a programme that allows undocumented immigrants and temporary workers from abroad to become eligible to apply for legal permanent residence after working a specified period and without leaving the country.

Q: Has the United States ever had a guest worker programme before?

A: The US has many temporary worker programs in place, including for high-tech workers, nurses and agricultural workers.

Q: Is three years enough time to get a green card?

A: Getting a green card generally takes longer. Immigrant workers in the US and abroad wanting to become legal permanent residents first must get a visa that allows them to apply for a green card. Getting the visa can take several years and is determined by need and quotas.

Source: agencies

Questions?Comments? Click here

Bush unveils immigration plan

Exploration rover "Spirit" lands safely on Mars ( 9 Messages)

Two major state banks to pilot joint-stock system ( 3 Messages)

China pondering its own "green card" system ( 16 Messages)

Roaring BMW: Was it "road rage" or an accident? ( 2 Messages)

Beijing's traffic no longer a headache by year 2008 ( 5 Messages)