IMMIGRATION PROGRESS

A year ago, President Bush outlined his plans for revamping the country’s immigration policy. At the time he said: “We are a nation of laws. We’re also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways. These are not contradictory goals. America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time.”

The bill currently being debated in the Senate strikes that balance. It does so by strengthening enforcement while creating a way for illegal immigrants to legalize their status.

The bill is not perfect, but it reflects reality.

Legally or illegally, millions of foreigners have taken root here, supplying demands for labor (albeit often at low cost), creating new markets for goods and services, paying taxes and raising families alongside those of us earlier immigrants. Congress should want to control the borders but also to regularize what has already happened, accepting immigration as a benefit rather than just a liability.

On the enforcement side, the bill calls for strengthening fences and other border separations and for an increase in the number of border patrol agents. It also includes fines for employers who hire undocumented workers.

More controversially, the bill would allow those here illegally to apply for permanent residency and would create a guest worker program.

Illegal immigrants in the United States before Jan. 1, 2007, could obtain a “Z visa,” which, after paying a $5,000 fine and processing fees, would put them on track for permanent residency, which could take between eight and 13 years. Heads of household would have to return to their home countries first with a guaranteed right to return to the United States.

Critics charge that this amounts to amnesty for the more than 10 million who have entered the country illegally. It is amnesty with hurdles, including working here, paying taxes and learning English.

The bill would also allow 400,000 guest workers, or “Y visas” per year. Y visa holders could stay in the United States for two-year increments with a one-year absence in between for a total of six years here. Guest workers could earn points toward green cards, which for the first time would consider an applicant’s education and skills, rather than just family connections.

Immigrants have long contributed to America’s prosperity. With these changes, Congress can ensure this continues to be so.