PTI[ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2003 08:11:18 PM ]
WASHINGTON : President George W Bush could kick off his re-election year by proposing relaxations for immigrant workers, including providing a way for undocumented workers in the United States to move towards legal status, officials said.
Lobbyists working with the White House said Bush is developing a plan under what his campaign officials call the "compassion agenda" that would make it easier for immigrants to cross the border if jobs are waiting for them. The administration also wants to provide a way for some undocumented workers in the US to gain legal status, the `Washington Post' reported on Wednesday.
The relaxations would constitute the most significant changes to immigration law in 18 years, Republican officials said.
Bush had at his year-end news conference said he was preparing to send Congress recommendations for an "immigration policy that helps match any willing employer with any willing employee."
Sources said the President will try to make the plan more palatable to conservatives by including stricter entry controls, including increased use of technology at the border and steps towards better enforcement of current visa restrictions and reporting requirements.
WASHINGTON : President George W Bush could kick off his re-election year by proposing relaxations for immigrant workers, including providing a way for undocumented workers in the United States to move towards legal status, officials said.
Lobbyists working with the White House said Bush is developing a plan under what his campaign officials call the "compassion agenda" that would make it easier for immigrants to cross the border if jobs are waiting for them. The administration also wants to provide a way for some undocumented workers in the US to gain legal status, the `Washington Post' reported on Wednesday.
The relaxations would constitute the most significant changes to immigration law in 18 years, Republican officials said.
Bush had at his year-end news conference said he was preparing to send Congress recommendations for an "immigration policy that helps match any willing employer with any willing employee."
Sources said the President will try to make the plan more palatable to conservatives by including stricter entry controls, including increased use of technology at the border and steps towards better enforcement of current visa restrictions and reporting requirements.