Comprehensive immigration plan would take tough steps on border

During the first decade after passage, the bill sets ambitious goals for border authorities — including continuous surveillance of 100 percent of the United States border and 90 percent effectiveness of enforcement in several high-risk sectors — and for other workplace and visa enforcement measures. It provides at least $3 billion for Homeland Security officials to meet those goals during the first five years, with a possibility of additional financing.

The bill includes provisions, or “triggers,” during that decade that allow Congress at different points to ensure the enforcement goals are being met.

A person familiar with proposed bipartisan immigration legislation being written in the Senate says the bill would require greatly expanded surveillance of the U.S. border with Mexico and greatly increased apprehensions of border crossers in high risk areas.

People here illegally could begin to get green cards only after a new southern border security plan is in place, employers have adopted mandatory electronic verification of their workers’ legal status and a new electronic exit system is operating at airports and seaports.

The person provided the information on condition of anonymity because the deliberations were private. Some of the information was first reported Wednesday by the Wall Street Journal.

The contours of the border security piece emerged as senators moved closer to unveiling the sweeping legislation within days.

“I believe this is a country of opportunity,” said Alonso Martinez, 30, an immigrant from Mexico who lives in Maryland, “and without citizenship we are not going to have the same opportunity as the other immigrants who came before us.”

Oznake: Broad, US, contours, senator, Comprehensive