Now the "poorer" immigrants can buy their citizenship too!

[Contrary1]

At least that's what the WH and some Republic Senators think to be a good idea:

"WASHINGTON (AP) -- A White House plan devised in weeks of closed-door meetings with Republican senators would grant work visas to undocumented immigrants but require them to return home and pay hefty fines to become legal U.S. residents.

The draft immigration legislation is the first stab by the White House and Republican senators this year at addressing the presence of 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants living and working in the country and employers' reliance on illegal workers.

<snip>

Under the plan, undocumented workers could apply for three-year work visas, which the plan dubs "Z" visas. They would be renewable indefinitely but renewal would cost $3,500 each time.

The undocumented workers would have legal status with the visas, but to get a green card, making them legal permanent residents, they would have to return to their home country, apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate to re-enter legally and pay a $10,000 fine..."

http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/03/30/immigration.ap/index.html

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

1. "Give me your tired, your poor...if they have $3500"

Makes me want to break out into a chorus of "America the Beautiful" hearing how the gummint wants to milk the immigrants for the privilege of cleaning toilets, emptying bedpans, and picking lettuce.

[rock]

2. "undocumented workers could apply"

or else ... what?