Key senator speaks on US immigration reform plans

On Wednesday, a key senator said that immigration laws of the US can be overhauled this year itself in spite of a crowded legislative schedule. He said this while he summarized plans of providing the estimated twelve million illegal immigrants a path through which they can acquire US citizenship.

Senator Charles Schumer, head of the Senate Judiciary subcommittee regarding immigration, said that he wants illegal immigrants in the US to register with the government as soon as possible, but added that it is unlikely that they would come forwards and do this until they know how they can say legally in the country.

Schumer said that this is the perfect time for reform as the system is broken badly, adding that the way forward will not be straight and simple.

The White House had earlier expressed doubts regarding the immigration reform getting through the Democrats. Schumer said that he will clearly say Obama that all the basic building blocks are in place for the passing of a comprehensive reform on immigration in this session, or even in later part of the year.

Spokeswoman of Tina Gray said that whatever is being proposed by Senator Schumer or any other person would be of no meaning on arrival until the White House gets serious regarding the issue.

Schumer said that illegal immigrants will never let their presence known to the government unless these people are provided some opportunity to gain legal status in the country and a way through which citizenship could be acquired by whatever means and penalty for breaking law in the past.