Senators reportedly agree on a pathway to lawful status

The L.A. Times reports that the eight senators who have spent weeks trying to write a bipartisan bill to overhaul immigration laws have privately agreed on a path to legalization for undocumented immigrants.  The proposal bill would require undocumented immigrants to register with the Department of Homeland Security, pay any backtaxes, and pay a fine. They also must have a clean criminal record. While on probationary legal status, the immigrants would be allowed to work but would be barred from receiving federal public benefits, including food stamps, family cash assistance, Medicaid and unemployment insurance.  The proposal is largely in line with President Obama’s proposal in his immigration reform package.  Immigration advocates have “expressed guarded optimism about a possible breakthrough.”

KJ