Senators strike deal on immigration overhaul

Senators strike deal on immigration overhaul
By Donna Smith 1 hour, 32 minutes ago

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A bipartisan group of U.S. senators reached agreement on Thursday on an immigration reform bill that would legalize millions of illegal immigrants and establish a merit-based system for future migrants, lawmakers said.

The agreement sets the stage for what is expected to be a passionate Senate debate over immigration and lead the way for what would be one of the most significant accomplishments of
President George W. Bush' name=c1> SEARCHNews News Photos Images Web' name=c3> President George W. Bush's final term.

Details of the agreement were set to be released at a news conference the group scheduled for 1:30 p.m (1730 GMT). Negotiators, led by Sen. Edward Kennedy (news, bio, voting record), a Massachusetts Democrat, and Sen. Jon Kyl (news, bio, voting record), an Arizona Republican, worked out the final details on Thursday morning.

When asked after the meeting whether lawmakers had reached a final agreement, Kennedy replied "yes." Sen. John McCain (news, bio, voting record), an Arizona Republican who attended the morning session, confirmed the group reached agreement.

The legislation would create a temporary worker program that would require laborers to return home after a period of time. Tough border security and workplace enforcement measures would go into place before the temporary worker program, congressional aides said.
The proposal would limit family-based migration to immediate family members and establish a merit-based system by which future migrants could earn points for skills, education, understanding of English and family ties.

(Additional reporting by Andy Sullivan)