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US immigration deal under fire

A bipartisan immigration deal that would grant legal status to millions of people in the US unlawfully is drawing criticism from across the political spectrum.

The bargain reached between key Democratic and Republican senators and the White House faces an uncertain future in the Senate, which is set to begin debating it on Monday.

"I don't know if the immigration legislation is going to bear fruit and we're going to be able to pass it," said Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, who harbored "serious concerns" about the deal.

Even if it were to survive what's certain to be a searing Senate battle, the measure would be up against long odds in the House. Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi, acknowledging deep divisions on immigration among Democrats, said she will not bring it up unless President George W. Bush can guarantee he will produce 70 Republican backers -- a tall order given Republican concerns that the bill is too lenient.

The agreement, which also mandates tougher border security and workplace enforcement, marked an extraordinary marriage of liberal and conservative goals that has the potential to bridge stubborn divides and ensure enactment of new laws this year.

Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy, his party's lead negotiator on the deal, called it an example of the "politics of the possible," while conservative Republican Senator Jon Kyl, said it was the "best opportunity" for a bipartisan solution to immigration problems.

It was soon under attack, however, from a set of lawmakers and interest groups as diverse as those that united to craft it. Their varying concerns and competing agendas -- along with a challenging political environment -- could be enough to unravel the painstakingly written agreement.

Two of the key players in the talks from each end of the political spectrum, Democratic Senator Robert Menendez and Republican Senator John Cornyn, walked away from the deal before it was announced.

Conservatives branded it "amnesty," complaining that it would reward the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants with a way of gaining legal status and staying in the US permanently without being punished.

"What part of illegal does the Senate not understand? Any plan that rewards illegal behavior is amnesty," said Representative Brian Bilbray, chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus.

The deal would allow illegal immigrants to come forward right away, but they could not get visas or begin a path to citizenship until the border security improvements and a high-tech worker identification program were in place.

After that, illegal immigrants could obtain a renewable "Z visa" that would allow them stay in the country indefinitely. After paying fees and fines totaling US$5,000, they could ultimately get on track for permanent residency, which could take eight to 13 years.

Liberals, on the other hand, are unhappy with the proposal because it would admit future arrivals seeking to put down roots in the US based on their skills, education levels and job experience -- limiting the importance of family ties.
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