The massive demonstrations that erupted in more than 120 cities created a political tinder box that could ignite and polarize the nation along racial lines. This is a specter that a majority of the US senators would not like to happen. On the other hand, the mood is different among the congressmen: they want the US Senate to pass H.R. 4437. However, in the aftermath of the Latino protests, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist — who is perceived to have presidential ambition — and his counterpart in the House, Speaker Dennis Hastert, have announced that the US Congress would not pass any legislation that would criminalize “illegal presence,” a key provision of H.R. 4437. But could they control those who are intolerant of any legislation that would give a window of opportunity for illegal immigrants to gain legal status?

The issue that has created an uproar from the anti-illegal immigrant groups is the term “amnesty.” Even some legal immigrants felt that “amnesty” is too easy for illegal immigrants to acquire. Their reaction is understandable because of what most legal immigrants had gone through: long years of waiting for their green card, some of whom waited more than 20 years. As one legal immigrant said, “Why would the government make it so easy for an ‘illegal’ to become ‘legal’? It’s not fair."

 And this is the dilemma that has baffled the senators: “Amnesty” is too easy. In my opinion, the reason why the word “amnesty” is abhorred is because it is a term associated with criminals. You only grant amnesty to those who have violated the law and some Americans simply could not look at it differently. They don’t want “criminals” in their midst. But there is always a way out of such a predicament.

So the Senate leaders, by lexical legerdemain, removed the word “amnesty” from the legislative bill they’re fashioning. Key provisions of the compromise immigration reform bill are: allows illegal immigrants in the country five years or  more to remain, continue working and eventually become legal residents after paying fines, back taxes and learning English; requires illegal immigrants between two and five years to go to a point of entry at the border and file an application to return; and requires those in the country less than two years to leave. Now, the question is: What criteria would be used to approve an application to return?

With the removal of the word “amnesty,” the proposed immigration reform bill would be more palatable and... politically correct. It would take an illegal immigrant longer time to gain legal status, just like those who came in as legal immigrants.

Another key provision of the compromise bill is the creation of a special guest worker program for an estimated 1.5 million immigrant farm workers, who, after satisfying certain criteria could also become legal residents. In addition, up to 325,000 temporary visas a year would be provided for future workers, which could be increased depending on the labor market demands.

In regard to border security, the proposed legislation would add up to 14,000 Border Patrol agents to the existing 11,300 agents. The bill would also authorize additional detention facilities for illegal immigrants who are apprehended.

Barring unforeseen obstacles, the proposed legislation is expected to be passed by both houses and sent to President Bush for his signature by Memorial Day. Meanwhile, President Bush announced last May 15, 2006, that he will dispatch as many as 6,000 National Guard troops to the US-Mexico border to stop the flow of illegal immigrants. It was seen as a move to win the support of the conservatives in Congress who have been critical of President Bush’s guest worker program proposal and the senators’ “formula” for giving legal status for illegal immigrants. In his announcement,. President Bush said: “there is a rationale middle ground between granting an automatic path to citizenship for every illegal immigrant and a program of mass deportation." Clearly, he is trying to convince critics that “amnesty” is not going to happen. In reference to the comprehensive immigration reform bill being hammered out by the Senate and House leaders, President Bush said, “It is a way for those who have broken the law to pay their debt to society." And, on a sympathetic note to illegal immigrants, he said, “Every human being has value no matter what their citizenship papers say." Isn’t that what America is all about?

 While “path to citizenship” would finally shine like a bright beacon of light at the end of the tunnel for the more than 11 million illegal immigrants, the “Great Wall” of Fortress America would soon rise to protect its borders from hordes of illegal immigrants. It would be the dawn of a new age; one that has yet to be defined.

However, one thing is certain: America will never be the same again.

(PerryDiaz@aol.com)

By Perry Diaz