WASHINGTON (Reuters): The United States House of Representatives on March 12 approved a bill backed by President George W. Bush that would allow some illegal immigrants to remain in the country while they seek legal residency.
The bill, passed on a vote of 275-137, allows illegal immigrants who are likely to qualify for legal status to stay in the country while their permanent residency applications are processed. The applications have to be made by Nov. 30, and applicants have to pay a $1,000 fee. Bush praised the House action, saying it will help keep families together and make America a “more welcoming society.”
“Many immigrants who are otherwise eligible to become legal residents will be forced to leave the United States and their families unless a temporary extension is granted,” Bush said.
The bill extends until end November a temporary program that expired last April. Without the measure, eligible immigrants would be required to leave the country until their applications are processed. To qualify, applicants must be sponsored by an employer or have a close family member, usually a spouse, who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
