Immigration bill deserves serious debate from Congress

The new bipartisan immigration bill may be the best and only chance that Congress will have in dealing legislatively with those who have entered the United States illegally.

Right now, there are an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States. The proposed compromise bill ? which has been endorsed by President Bush ? would offer a way for the illegal immigrants to become legal.

Under the proposal, those who entered the country illegally before Jan. 1, 2007, could apply for provisional legal status. They would have to pay a $5,000 per household fine, have no criminal background, learn to speak English, pay back taxes and return to their country of origin to reapply for guaranteed legal entry.

The proposed law also contains a provision for more security along the Mexican border and requires employers to check new hires against a government database to determine if they can legally work in the United States.

Reaction to the proposal has been mixed. Some liberals don’t like the idea that a merit-based point system for immigrants will replace the historic procedure of preference for those with family members who already are U.S. citizens. Some conservatives complain the new path to citizenship is too close to a free pass.

A bill never will be crafted that will appeal to everyone ? and it’s physically impossible to simply deport 12 million illegal immigrants.

Congress is urged to give it the fair hearing and consideration that it deserves.