I'm still unclear on why 'amnesty' has become such a dirty word/concept in this discussion. To me, it seems pretty obvious that we can not- economically, logistically, or realistically- deport the millions of people currently here illegally. Therefore, whether you actually call it amnesty or not, it seems that we have to accept that fact, and figure out a way to deal with those people, as well as developing plans for future actions.

Sent by Jess | 2:15 PM ET | 05-21-2007

Why don't they break up the 12 million in groups depending on how long they have been here and how establish they are and grand residency accordingly

Sent by Joe | 2:20 PM ET | 05-21-2007

The thing about this new immigration bill and "spouses" being alowed in is, in many countries, partners of the same sex can be legally married (including Mexico), however they would NOT be allowed to come into this country as spouses because America refuses to recognize these legal marriages.

Sent by Annette Watlington | 2:22 PM ET | 05-21-2007

I am a little confused about the logic of the point system as far as satifying the needs of the Us. Aren't most of the immigrants currently working in low skill jobs like harvesting and washing dishes?
Won't the skill point system increase the competition for jobs rather than fill the needs that we have here in the US?

Sent by abi spring oregon | 2:22 PM ET | 05-21-2007

I am not sure if basing immigration status on education level addresses the problem of the need for low skilled workers in the US industry. As a Landscape Architect, I see daily evidence of probable illegal (or questionable legal status) hardworking immigrants doing jobs that can not be filled by Americans. These people deserve recognition of the contributions they contribute to the US Economy from the bottom up.

Sent by Christina Reeves | 2:23 PM ET | 05-21-2007

There will never be a bill that everyone will be happy with. But I see this as a great start because as all bills it is living in that it will change when needed.

Sent by Evan | 2:28 PM ET | 05-21-2007

If millions of illegal workers are deported, or simply stop working, what with that do to the unemployment and inflation rates. Many businesses will be harmed. Will congress compensate them for lost productivity? Will the Fed raise rates again?

Sent by Mark Franklin | 2:31 PM ET | 05-21-2007

Everyone wants to sign this bill before the 'politics' torpedo it. The bill has a lot of whistles and bells, but the end result doesn't sound like it would be much different than the status quo. Isn't it already politics when congress is trying to pass a bill simply for the sake of passing a bill?

Sent by Blaise Santianni | 2:32 PM ET | 05-21-2007

What happens with the social security witheld to the immigrants if they have to live the country after six years according to this bill? What kind of benefits, if any, would they have after six years?

Sent by Katrina | 2:35 PM ET | 05-21-2007

This is the first bill that has been presented as a true compromise. It must be a good compromise since no one is satisfied -- and that is exactly rignt.
This needs to go through just to prove to all political factions of the need for give and take in order to get things done

Sent by Tom Owens | 3:26 PM ET | 05-21-2007

This amnesty program sounds like a solution for a government that has turned a blind eye to the problem for so many years. With a booming economy flush with jobs, the problem is not given the attention, but if we expereince a recession how will an influx of suddenly legalized workers affect those who have been previously naturalized or US citizens?

Also, I have been witness in Mexico and South America to the ammount of funds that are sent back, thereby leaving the economy.

This is an interesting situation with very few equitable solutions.

Sent by Ryan | 12:24 PM ET | 05-22-2007

This bill really takes the wrong approach. Offering amnesty to illegal immigrants and NOT taking steps to secure our borders is a crazy way to approach immigration reform and will only postpone meaningful reform.

1 - Secure the borders!!! Plug them up! Immediately!
2 - Employers must then verify legal status of workers, over a period of 2 years.
3 - Release those workers who do not hold valid SS numbers. If no jobs exist for them, they will leave the country freely.
4 - Increase LEGAL immigration from Mexico under a new "Temporary Worker Program" which puts them on the road to true citizen ship.

This is a slap in the face of immigrants who worked hard to do it the right way, the legal way.

Remember USA is a country of immigrants. We should not be anti immigration but ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

Sent by Kevin | 2:51 PM ET | 05-22-2007

The choice between deporting 12 million illegals or granting amnesty is a false dilemma. People keep stating it like that to suggest that our hands are tied. If we were to secure the border (actually building the fence congress passed a bill to build) a fraction of illegal immigrants the influx would slow. Workplace enforcement is also a neglected solution and the Bush administration has done essentially nothing in this area.

Sent by Rob | 4:51 PM ET | 05-22-2007

No one is looking at or talking about the root cause of the illegal immigration issue to begin with; Poor quality of life in Mexico. These people flee to take advantage of our social developments, health care, economy, and welfare..

We as the US should insist Mexico begin to provide socially for it's people and reduce the causes that prompt the illegal migration!

We need to pressure the Mexican Government to solve this crisis on their side of the border!

Mexicans do not hate their culture or homeland. In fact they are extremely patriotic towards Mexico, they just want the medial, economic, and social benefits we work so had for here in the US.

Sent by Arnold Westphal | 8:31 PM ET | 05-22-2007