WASHINGTON — Latino, black, Asian and other House lawmakers backing immigration overhaul called Tuesday for legalizing illegal immigrants despite a weakened economy and joblessness.
The coalition of lawmakers said immigration reform can protect American workers as well as bring into the mainstream economy productive immigrant workers who have been living in the shadows.
A bill unveiled Tuesday by Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., seeks to legalize undocumented immigrants by requiring them to register, pay a $500 fine, learn English, pass background checks and meet other requirements. They then are eligible for a six-year visa and then a green card.
On Capitol Hill, the bill was declared dead by some Republicans and denounced as impractical. Denver Post wire services
