How bill affects quest for residency, security

Q How would the immigration deal affect the 12 million undocumented residents in the United States?

A Undocumented immigrants who arrived before Jan. 1, 2007, and pass a background check that shows no criminal record would be permitted to stay legally and get a visa that allows them to work legally. This temporary status would be for four years and could be renewed for another four years. During this time, they could apply for citizenship.

Q What penalties and requirements are involved for undocumented residents in this deal?

A They would have to pay a $5,000 fine in staggered payments if they want to become permanent legal residents. Also, heads of household would have to return to their home countries at some point during the eight-year temporary worker period . They would be guaranteed the right to come back. They would be required to take English and civics classes.

Q How would this affect efforts to deport illegal immigrants?

A While the current law calls for deportation, it is often not enforced. The Bush administration has argued that it is impractical to find and deport the 12 million illegal immigrants. Under the new proposal, illegal immigrants would be asked to come forward and declare themselves illegal residents and apply for the "Z" visa, which would enable them to become legal residents. This has led critics to call the measure a general amnesty for illegal immigrants.

Q How would this affect Massachusetts?

A There are an estimated 200,000 undocumented immigrants in the Bay State. Many are low-skilled workers, such as those in the service industries. The state also has thousands of high-skilled immigrants working in the biotech and high-tech industries who are in Massachusetts legally but temporarily and have been stymied in their effort to gain permanent immigrant status because of the backlog of applications. Both groups potentially would benefit from the bill. The undocumented workers could gain legal status if they meet the guidelines for the Z visa, and the backlog of applications for legal immigrants to become citizens would be shortened.

Q Would the undocumented residents who stay for eight years have a head start over legal immigrants in seeking citizenship?

A Proponents of the measure proposed yesterday said illegal immigrants would go "to the back of the line" when applying for citizenship . But critics say these illegal immigrants would be getting "amnesty" because they could immediately apply for the Z visas, which would allow them to stay here for at least eight years.

Q What measures are in the law to increase border security?

A The proposal calls for doubling the number of border guards and completing a border fence, among other efforts to secure the perimeter. These measures would be enacted before the immigration changes take full effect, probably over an 18-month period.

Q Would the new bill change the rules for legal immigrants, as well?

A The new system would give applicants points for various skills and level of education. The White House said yesterday that there should be a "merit system" for immigration that is designed to make the process easier for applicants most needed by business. The current system emphasizes family reunification. The new system will still enable immediate family members to apply for immigration, but puts new emphasis on those who gain more points for their education and skills. Details are being worked out in Congress.

Q What are the chances for passage in the Senate and the House?

A Sponsors of the bill say they expect overwhelming bipartisan approval in the Senate. The sponsors say they are optimistic about its prospects in the House, as well, but the House has been far more resistant to a guest-worker program. The measure has the support of President Bush and a number of leading members of both parties -- but most of the high-profile opponents are in the House.

MICHAEL KRANISH