Click to play videoNew Delhi: Up to 12 million illegal immigrants could be granted legal status in the US if the Senate passes the new Immigration Reform Bill this week.
The bill, agreed last month with the White House, would establish a merit-based points system for future immigrants and institute a low-wage temporary worker program.
Border security crackdown, penalties for hiring illegal immigrants and clearing the back log of visa applications are also on the list. If it passes muster in the Senate, the bill will be taken up by the House in July.
Supporters of the deal fear the measure will die if it is not passed within months, before it gets caught up in the maelstrom of next year's congressional and presidential elections.
Opponents, however, claim that the move is tantamount to a mass amnesty.
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