Here’s a look at key differences between immigration bills passed by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
SENATE BILL
Pathway to citizenship: Illegal immigrants in the country five years or more could continue working and eventually become permanent residents and then citizens after paying fines, back taxes and learning English. Immigrants here for two to five years would have to go to a point of entry and apply to return. Illegal immigrants here less than two years would have to leave.
Guest workers: A temporary-worker program would allow up to 200,000 new immigrants into the country each year for low-skilled jobs after the president declares it “will strengthen the national security.” Bill also would authorize an estimated 1.5 million agriculture guest workers.
Criminal penalties: Illegal immigrants convicted of a felony or three misdemeanors would be deported. Smuggling immigrants would be illegal, with exceptions for “humanitarian” assistance, such as medical care and emergency housing.
Workplace enforcement: Employers could be fined up to $20,000 for hiring undocumented workers. Employers would be required to participate in an electronic ID verification system within 18 months.
Border Patrol: Some 2,400 border agents would be added each year through 2011 to the current force of 11,300.
Fencing: Bill calls for construction of 350 miles of border fencing and 500 miles of vehicle barriers on the U.S.-Mexico border.
HOUSE BILL
Pathway to citizenship: Not included.
Guest workers: Not included.
Criminal penalties: Illegal presence in the country, or helping illegal immigrants enter or stay here, would be felonies. Bill requires detention for all non-Mexicans arrested at ports of entry or at land and sea borders, and authorizes additional detention facilities.
Workplace enforcement: Employers would be required to participate in an electronic ID verification system within six years. Maximum fines for employers of illegal workers would be $40,000 per violation.
Border Patrol: Bill calls for hiring more border agents “as expeditiously as possible.”
Fencing: Fencing, “physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras and sensors” would be added along 700 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Sources: Denver Post research and wire services
