US senators strike deal on immigration overhaul

WASHINGTON, May 17 (Reuters) Leading US senators reached an agreement today on an immigration overhaul that would fortify US borders and grant lawful status to millions of illegal immigrants, a move that could lead to a major legislative victory for President George W Bush.

The agreement sets the stage for what is expected to be a passionate Senate debate over the proposal, which would give an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants legal status, create a temporary worker program and establish a new merit-based system for future immigrants.

''The agreement we've just reached is the best possible chance we will have in years to secure our borders, bring millions of people out of the shadows and into the sunshine of America,'' said Sen Edward Kennedy, a Massachusetts Democrat who helped lead the bipartisan talks that included Sen Jon Kyl and administration officials.

Kyl, an Arizona Republican, said at news conference with Kennedy and other negotiators ''From my perspective it's not perfect. But it represents the best possible opportunity in a bipartisan way to do something about this problem.'' Immigration is a complex, hot-button issue that has divided US political parties in a way that has made it difficult to pass reform legislation. Hundreds of thousands of Latinos and other immigrants rallied as recently as May 1 to demand amnesty for illegal immigrants.

But Republicans oppose amnesty and successfully blocked consideration of comprehensive immigration legislation last year in the US House of Representatives, saying it would have rewarded people who broke US laws.

The bipartisan compromise will put illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship after a probationary period and they would have to pay stiffer fines than called for in last year's bill.

The senators reached agreement after marathon talks. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, has set aside next week for the Senate to debate the legislation and several amendments are expected. The US House of Representatives is expected to take up its own version of immigration reform later this year.

BUSH SUPPORT Bush embraced the Senate breakthrough.

''I really am anxious to sign a comprehensive immigration bill as soon as we possibly can. Today we took a good step in that direction,'' he said.

''This proposal delivers an immigration system that is secure, productive, orderly and fair,'' Bush said earlier in a statement.

But some Democratic senators who were not involved in the talks were less enthusiastic.

''I think there are a lot of Democrats who want to see it improved,'' Sen Charles Schumer of New York told reporters.

The legislation would create a temporary worker program that would allow workers from Mexico and other countries to work for two years and then require them to go home before they could return. Some 400,000 visas would be issued per year under the program.

A temporary worker would be allowed three two-year work periods, but their time in the United States would help them earn points toward seeking permanent status. Kennedy said the worker program includes strong labor protections.

The bill would also put in place a verification program that eventually will apply to all workers in the United States.

The legislation also includes tough border security and workplace enforcement measures that would have to be in effect before the temporary worker program is allowed to go forward.

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. Kennedy said the merit system would include low-skilled workers needed in the United States as well as highly skilled workers.

It was unclear if immigrant groups would embrace the proposal, but at least one group called it a reasonable compromise.

''We have been working so hard to reach some kind of middle ground. It's not the one that we would wish for, but it is one that will work. It is something that will be practical and feasible,'' Elias Bermudez, director of the Immigrants Without Borders activist group in Phoenix, said of the bill.

Reuters SM VP0320