WASHINGTON, April 9 (UPI) -- Opponents predicted an uphill battle for U.S. President George Bush as he pushes for an overhaul of the nation's immigration laws.
Bush headed for Arizona to stress the need for more border security and increased enforcement against hiring undocumented workers. White House spokesman Scott Stanzel said the president is expected to push for a temporary-worker program to address labor shortages, The Washington Post reported Monday.
The newspaper said Bush will have support for such an idea in the U.S. Senate but still faces bipartisan opposition in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Under Bush's proposal, undocumented workers could apply for three-year work visas, renewable indefinitely at a cost of $3,500 each time. To become legal permanent residents, they would have to return to their home countries, apply for re-entry at a U.S. Embassy or consulate and pay a $10,000 fine, the Post report said. Under the Bush plan, temporary workers would not be allowed to bring their families into the country.
