Plan is a big step forward

For those on both ends of the political spectrum, the immigration proposal forwarded by President Bush and endorsed by a bipartisan Senate committee is unacceptable.

We find the legislation encouraging and framers of the policy for practicing the rarest of political characteristics: courage.

"A lot of Americans are skeptical about immigration reform, primarily because they don't think the government can fix the problems," Bush said last week. "And my answer to the skeptics is: give us a chance to fix the problems in a comprehensive way that enforces our border and treats people with decency and respect. Give us a chance to fix this problem. Don't try to kill this bill before it gets moving."

The bill, which will likely be debated in the Senate this week:

? Would give temporary legal status to millions of unlawful immigrants, provided they came forward, paid a fine and underwent criminal background checks.

? To apply for a green card, they would have to pay another fine, learn English, return to their home country and wait in line.

? Would create a guest worker program, allowing foreign laborers to come to the U.S. for temporary stints with no guarantee they can eventually gain citizenship.

Both the new visa plan and the temporary worker program are contingent on other steps coming first. Those include fencing and barriers along the Mexico border, the hiring of more Border Patrol agents and the completion of an identification system to verify employees' legal status.

The legislation would also reshape future immigration decisions. A new point system would prioritize skills and education over family in deciding who can immigrate.

We invite our readers to join us in rigorously examining and debating this important subject. In the spirit of resolution, we ask critics of the proposal to tender reasonable, attainable and fair suggestions of their own.