Negotiators of Landmark Immigration Reform Could Reach a Deal Today

May 16, 2007 — -- Negotiations kick into gear today on what could mark a major turning point in the immigration debate and make every illegal immigrant in America legal.

Late Tuesday, several senators worked to map out a plan that would give visas to the 12 million people who are in the United States illegally. Once given a visa, they would have eight years to pay a $5,000 fine and return to their country of origin to get another visa. Then, they would be able to come back to the United States. After that, they would be on the road to permanent residency and citizenship.

The White House is keeping quiet about the potential deal, but the key negotiators are a group of five bipartisan senators — Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.; Jon Kyl, R-Ariz.; Ken Salazar, D-Calif.; Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.; and Arlen Specter, R-Pa. — who hail from the left, right and center of the political spectrum.

Some call comprehensive immigration reform amnesty by another name.

On "Good Morning America," ABC's George Stephanopoulos explained that those who support the legislation believe that by administering a fine and making immigrants go back to their country, they're making people work their way back to America.

Stephanopoulos said negotiators could reach a deal today or within the week. The bill could get the president's approval before the fall.

"If it gets passed in the Senate next week, the House would take it up in June or July," Stephanopoulos said. "The president has told the negotiators he would like to try to sign something before everybody goes home for the election. September is the goal."