URGENT

      A new immigration draft bill in the Senate  

Senator Edward Kennedy (Democrat from Massachusetts) and Senator John McCain (Republican from Arizona) are planning to introduce a new, and much more humane, immigration bill concerning legalizing the statuses of undocumented immigrants.

 The Senate is planning to introduce this immigration bill next month. It may pass by March or April.

They are calling it a fast track to citizenship for illegal aliens.

 The House of Representatives is expected to consider its version to regularize the undocumented immigrants later.

Details of the bill, which would most likely be introduced early next month, are being drafted. 

Senator Edward M. Kennedy has declared, "I am very hopeful about this, both in terms of the substance and the politics of it."

 The plan under consideration would allow about 11-million undocumented immigrants to become eligible to legalize their statuses without returning home and start over, up from 7 million in the previous Senate bill.

To qualify, the undocumented immigrants would have to:

 (1) pass background checks,

(2) pay back taxes,

(3) remain employed,

(4) pay fines, and

(5) enroll in English classes.

  The lawmakers are also considering denying financing for 700 miles of fencing along the border with Mexico.

 While this bill is still in the drafting phase, there are some encouraging signs in the Senate. However, it may be somehow tougher with the House of Representatives.

 I will promptly keep all readers informed of the details and any new development that may occur.

 Attorney Christopher  Adams