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Guest Worker Program Slashed

Posted May 24, 07 7:30 AM CDT in US,  Politics 

(Newser) – Key provisions of the immigration bill were altered yesterday as the Senate passed a raft of amendments designed to make the bill more palatable to critics from both political parties.  Provisions to beef up security at the border  were strengthened, while the guest worker program offering two-year visas to 400,000 temporary workers a year was cut in half.

A GOP amendment  stiffened penalties for illegal entry, mandating jail time for  border-crossers convicted of a previous crime. Democrats fought for changes, not yet voted on, in the point system that  emphasizes merit over  family ties in handing out visas. Members of the bipartisan coalition argued that too many changes could destroy the bill's chances of passing.  

Source Los Angeles Times

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A new border fence is seen at the zone known as El Bajio, in Sasabe Arzn., Wednesday, May 23, 2007. El Bajio is one of the immigrants busiest crossing points. Democrats are seeking to slash the number...   (Associated Press)
Mexican migrants walk near a sign that reads in Spanish "Danger, inhabited area", as they start their walk to the United States in Sasabe, Mexico, Wednesday, May 23, 2007. Democrats are seeking to slash...   (Associated Press)
Carlos Sanchez, right, an officer who works for the government migrant aid program Beta, gives water to migrants along the US-Mexico border in the Sasabe desert, Mexico, Wednesday, May 23, 2007. Democrats...   (Associated Press)
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