MADRID, April 6 (UPI) -- Spain's amnesty program has provided more than 300,000 undocumented immigrants with living arrangements and work permits, EFE News reported Wednesday.
Labor Minister Jesus Caldera told the country's Senate if the pace continues, "there will be several hundred thousand jobs that will blossom into legality."
Spain's Socialist government began the three-month "regularization" process for undocumented immigrants Feb. 7.
The process allows employers of the candidates -- not the immigrants themselves -- to request legalization for employees who meet the requirements. Candidates must prove they have been in Spain for at least six months, and they have contracts for at least another six months' employment.
Officials estimate about 500,000 immigrants will take advantage of the program, EFE said.
