SERGIO BUSTOS
Citizen Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - Congress appears unlikely to approve President Bush's ambitious program to open U.S. jobs to foreign workers anytime soon because of objections from both Democrats and Republicans in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives.

Dozens of Republicans object to granting illegal immigrants any kind of legal status. Democrats also object, charging that the proposal wouldn't allow temporary visa holders to become permanent residents.
 
"It's hard to get this out of the House this year," said a House GOP leadership aide. "It's an election year. Democrats are not going to want to play. And we can't pass it with (only) Republicans because we have 40 to 50" who oppose it.

In his speech at the White House, Bush urged Congress to rewrite the nation's immigration laws because he said the existing system is unfair to employers seeking workers and to immigrants wanting work.

"Our laws should allow willing workers to enter our country and fill jobs that Americans are not filling," Bush said. "We must make our immigration laws more rational and more humane. And I believe we can do so without jeopardizing the livelihoods of American citizens."

Under Bush's plan, foreign residents who can prove they have a job or a job offer from a U.S. employer could qualify for a three-year temporary work visa. Illegal immigrants also would qualify but would pay a registration fee.

Those approved would be able to renew their visas for an additional three years, but they would have to return to their home countries when the renewed visa expires. They also would not be given preference in becoming permanent legal U.S. residents.

That's a sore point with Democrats and members of Hispanic groups.

When a visa expires, "a willing worker who has been employed by a willing U.S. employer - for a job a U.S. citizen is unwilling to do - will find himself in the same undocumented position he was prior to this proposal," said Rep. Bob Menendez, D-N.J.

The League of United Latin American Citizens, the nation's largest and oldest Hispanic organization, issued a statement saying Bush's attempt to court Latino voters will fail because his plan does not include a legalization component for temporary workers.

"The Latino community needs a comprehensive immigration reform plan that includes earned legalization," said national president Hector Flores.

Hispanic voters represent an increasing share of the American electorate and a majority of immigrants - legal and illegal - in the United States.

Under the president's plan, temporary visa holders would be allowed to open tax-deferred savings accounts. Money saved could be withdrawn when the worker's visa expires. The Bush administration also pledged to work closely with foreign governments to ensure foreign workers receive credit toward retirement for working in the United States.

Employers who want to hire foreign workers would have to prove they were unable to fill openings with U.S. workers. The federal government would maintain a database of available jobs to allow employers to search for U.S. workers. Employers who hire illegal workers would face tough penalties and fines.

Beyond the economic benefits, Bush insisted his proposal would improve national security, especially along the border with Mexico, where most illegal immigrants enter the country.

"Law enforcement will face fewer problems with undocumented workers, and will be better able to focus on the true threats to our nation from criminals and terrorists," he said. "And when temporary workers can travel legally and freely, there will be more-efficient management of our borders and more-effective enforcement against those who pose a danger to our country."

Bush's principles for a guest worker program mirror two separate bills introduced in Congress by lawmakers from Texas and Arizona. Those lawmakers applauded Bush's proposal.

"We must deal with the fact that between 8 to 10 million people are currently living inside our borders and came here illegally," said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

Rep. Jeff Flake, a Republican from Arizona who is co-sponsoring a guest worker bill with Sen. John McCain and Rep. Jim Kolbe, also Republicans from Arizona, credited Bush with presenting a "rational and realistic vision" of immigration reform.

"President Bush has got it right," Flake said. "A comprehensive temporary worker program will dramatically improve the situation at our borders."

POLICY CHANGES AT A GLANCE:
 

Illegal immigrants or people abroad would be able to apply for the right to work legally for a three-year term that could be renewed.

Applicants already in the United States would have to pay a fee and show current employment status.

Employer would have to show no Americans wanted the job.

Temporary workers would receive same protections afforded to American workers and would be allowed to move freely between the United States and home country. They would receive incentives to return to home country at end of term.