Comparing immigration bills passed by House and Senate.

House immigration bill.

Senate immigration bill.

President's immigration reform proposal.

Legalization of undocumented immigrants.

No provisions for legalization. Illegal immigrants who lived in the U.S. for more then 2 years would have a path to permanent residency and eventually citizenship. They would be required to pay at least $3250 in fines, and pay back any owed taxes.

No automatic citizenship, however after paying "a meaningful penalty for breaking the law.", a chance to gain citizenship.

Temporary worker program

No provisions for creating a guest worker program. 200,000 new guest worker visas every year. Creates a guest worker program with possibility of obtaining a permanent residency. Proposing temporary guest worker program since before 9\11.

Employers

Mandatory participation in employment eligibility verification system within 3to 6 years. Requires employer's participation in electronic employment verification system able to distinguish between legal and illegal workers. Mr. Bush agrees that employers should participate in an electronic employment eligibility verification system.

Possible fines on employers hiring illegal immigrants.

Fines for hiring undocumented up to $40,000 for each violation. Prison sentences of up to 30 years for repeat offenders. Fines of $20,000 per violation. Senate immigration bill also imposes jail time on repeat offenders.  

Criminal penalties for illegal immigrants.

House bill makes it a federal crime to live in the United States illegally. Persons helping illegal immigrants to enter or stay in the U.S. also face criminal penalties. No provisions for felonies in the House bill.  

Border fencing and security personnel.

Requires building of at least "two layers of reinforced fencing" as well as "physical barriers, roads, lighting, cameras and sensors" on south border.

350 miles of border fencing and 500 miles of vehicle barriers between the United States and Mexico border.

Adds14,000 Border Patrol agents by 2011.
Up to 6,000 National Guard members will be deployed to our southern border