Hardbeatnews, WASHINGTON, D.C., Thurs. Mar. 22, 2007: An immigration bill that could create a path to legalization for millions of undocumented immigrants is set to be introduced into the Democratic-controlled US congress today by a bi-partisan lawmaking duo.

Reps. Luis V. Gutierrez, (D-Ill.) and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), who many may remember for their introduction of a similar reform bill with Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Edward M. Kennedy last year are set to introduced the STRIVE Act (Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy).

The bill comes amidst calls from the President for immigration reform and as advocates, antsy over the delay since the Democrats took control of the House, threatened to march again. Yesterday, Senator Kennedy praised the bill, adding he’s optimistic a Senate bill would soon follow.

"This will say, 'Listen, you left and you … actually went through the legal process of entering the United States,' " he said in a conference call with members of the nation's ethnic media. "Is it going to sound somewhat absurd to some people? Certainly it will. But it's a requirement that many [Republicans] wish in the bill."

Congressman Gutierrez for his part told the ethnic press yesterday, "This will say, 'Listen, you left and you … actually went through the legal process of entering the United States.' "Is it going to sound somewhat absurd to some people? Certainly it will. But it's a requirement that many [Republicans] wish in the bill."

Under the Gutierrez/Flake plan, undocumented immigrants would be eligible for legalization if they arrived in the U.S. before June 1, 2006. They would, however, have to pay a $2,000 fine and back taxes, and pass background and security checks. If after six years they have learned English and civics, kept a clean record, and the head of household has left and reentered the U.S. legally, they could become legal permanent resident.

But the bill also addressed border security with provisions focused more on "smart technology, not fences." It also urged for increased penalties for crimes committed by immigrants, including human smuggling, gang activity, and visa and document fraud. And would allow undocumented immigrants to pay in-state rates for college tuition and give those brought to the United States young, a way to gain citizenship. It also reportedly recommends reducing waiting times for legal immigrants.

Congressmen Flake and Gutierrez also added the AgJobs bill, which would create a dedicated-worker program for the agricultural industry while also allowing for a more general program that would admit up to 400,000 low-skilled workers a year for jobs that employers were unable to fill with Americans.

With the Democrats controlling the House and Senate and with President Bush reiterating his readiness to sign a bill soon, lawmakers and advocates for immigration reform are optimistic the bill could become law before the end of this year. – Hardbeatnews.com