CAPITOL HILL An immigration bill being written by senators John McCain and Edward Kennedy would give illegal aliens the chance to stay in the United States -- but would also subject them to fines. It's an alternative to President Bush's guest worker proposal, which would have them return to their countries when their work visas expire. Employers like Bush's plan; many conservatives don't. McCain says the immigration bill he and Kennedy will introduce would allow illegal immigrants to obtain three-year visas that could be renewed once. After that, they'd be able to apply for permanent legal residency, but they'd have to "get in the back of the line."
McCain told the Naval Academy that deporting the ten (m) million to 12 (m) million illegal immigrants in the United States isn't practical. In his words, "It's not possible. It's not going to happen."
McCain says the measure is expected to be introduced next week.