Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Leah Valencia, University of New Mexico- Talk Radio News

Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) and more than 20 like-minded House Democrats unveiled new legislation Tuesday to reform immigration. Under the new bill millions of illegal immigrant could legalize their status.

"We have waited patiently for a workable solution to our immigration crisis to be taken up by this Congress and this President," said Gutierrez. "The time for waiting is over. This bill will be presented before Congress recesses for the holidays so that there is no excuse for inaction in the New Year."

The bill, with full support of the Black, Hispanic, Asian and other progressive Congressional caucuses, proposes that illegal immigrants should have the right to register with the government, and after paying a $500 fine per adult, learning English and passing background checks, become eligible for a six-year visa and eventually a green card.

“Border security, that is a concern of all of ours,” Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.). “We need to know everyone that is in the United States today...Not have people living in shadows.”

Many critics see a rough road ahead for immigration reform legislation, particularly with the U.S. unemployment rate at 10 percent and mid-term elections approaching.

“We want to make sure American workers get the first crack at all American jobs,” Gutierrez said. “But we want to invite immigrants to come here, bring their money, bring their knowledge, bring their entrepreneurship. We’ll let them in as long as they come here and create jobs for Americans.”

President Barack Obama said in August that he is confident that Congress would pass legislation that would overhaul immigration. Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) are expected to introduce an immigration bill in the Senate by February of 2010.