Debate Could Turn on a 7-Letter Word

05/30/2007

By Pamela Constable
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 30, 2007


When organized opponents of the immigration bill being debated in the U.S. Senate want to rally the troops, get the e-mails churning and the congressional switchboards lighting up, they almost invariably invoke the "A-word."

In Web sites, speeches and news releases, critics of the legislation attack it as a form of "amnesty." They argue that it would reward 10 million to 12 million immigrants who entered the United States illegally and would encourage others to sneak in, too.

When organized supporters of the bill respond, they consistently deny that it offers anything remotely like amnesty, or blanket forgiveness. Instead, they use the "L-word," describing an orderly process of legalization that would take at least eight years. The process would include a series of temporary visas, payment of hefty fees and a return by the head of the family to his or her native country before applying for permanent residency.

But despite supporters' emphasis that the bill involves fines, waiting lists and background checks, and despite polls showing most Americans favor some form of legalization, the specter of amnesty has persistently haunted the debate -- and could jeopardize the bill's chances for passage.

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