By Laura Meckler and Kristina Peterson | The Wall Street Journal
Supporters of a broad overhaul of immigration law want the 11 million people in the country illegally to be given a chance for citizenship. Others say it would be wrong to give them such treatment.
Now, some members of Congress from both parties say there may be a way to satisfy both sides, offering the possibility of a common ground in the contentious debate.
Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R., Va.), the conservative chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has floated an idea that would rely partly on existing law to allow many people here illegally to gain citizenship. People in both parties say it has the potential to win backing from some Republican House members who say those here illegally shouldn’t get special treatment unavailable to other foreigners.
Under Mr. Goodlatte’s concept, Congress could grant illegal immigrants a provisional legal status, similar to the probationary legal status available under legislation that cleared the Senate in June. Then they could use existing laws that allows foreigners who are legally in the U.S. to seek green cards—also known as permanent legal residency—and eventual citizenship if they meet strict criteria. Illegal immigrants are barred from doing so.
