Bush wants to change U.S. immigration laws to grant legal status to millions of people who are working in the country illegally

Bush wants to change U.S. immigration laws to grant legal status to millions of people who are working in the country illegally. The president's plan is expected to face Congressional opposition from members of his own party. President Bush says the new temporary worker program will make U.S. immigration more compassionate by matching U.S. employers with undocumented workers already in the United States or those who want to find work here. "Out of common sense and fairness, our laws should allow willing workers to enter our country and fill jobs that Americans are not filling," he said. The plan would legalize what is estimated to be at least eight million undocumented workers already in America, as those who qualify for the program would not be punished for entering the country, or working, illegally. They would be free to travel between the United States and their home countries without penalty and would receive all U.S. employee benefits including minimum wage, workplace safety standards, and legal protections. They would pay taxes, qualify for federal retirement savings, and be eligible for driver's licenses in most states.