Bush Unveils Immigration Reform Proposal, Offering Guest Worker Status to Undocumented Workers

President George W. Bush addressed Hispanic groups at the White House, outlining a proposal that would allow millions of undocumented workers to obtain temporary guest worker status. The plan, which has been in the works since the 2001 terrorist attacks, would grant a three-year visa to workers who can prove their employer was unable to find a qualified American for the job. Guest workers would have the right to travel back and forth to their home country, but would not have a special advantage in applying for permanent residence.

Key Takeaways:

• The proposal would allow millions of undocumented workers to apply for a three-year guest worker visa, which would be renewable but have an end date.
• Guest workers would be required to demonstrate their employer's inability to find a qualified American for the job and would have the right to travel back and forth to their home country.
• The program would not grant special advantages in applying for permanent residence or citizenship, and workers would have to join the regular queue with those applying legally from abroad.
• The administration would ask Congress to annually expand the number of permanent resident visas made available to people.
• The proposal aims to examine and change the current test administered to prospective citizens, which would place a greater emphasis on understanding American values and ideals.

Statistics:

• 12.5 percent of the US population is of Hispanic heritage (2000 US Census data).
• More than 60 percent of Hispanic Americans are of Mexican heritage.
• Mexico is the main source of illegal immigrants in the country.
• Over 60% of migrant workers in the US are from Mexico.
• 2001 terrorist attacks mentioned as the reason for the proposal being on the back burner since then.

Sources:

• UPI (United Press International), January 7
• Washington Post, (no date)
• White House statement (no date)