On Monday, a group of eight senators (four Democrats and four Republicans) unveiled a high-level framework to improve the country’s immigration system. The document identifies four basic principles to serve as the basis for comprehensive immigration legislation that the group hopes to pass this spring. The principles include: (1) Develop a “tough but fair” path to citizenship for illegal immigrants currently residing in the U.S. coupled with securing the nation’s borders and combating Visa overstays; (2) Improve the nation’s legal immigration system so that it attracts the “world’s best and brightest” to make sure the U.S. stays economically competitive; (3) Strengthen the employment verification system in the U.S. to prevent identity theft and the hiring of unauthorized workers; and (4) Establish an improved process for businesses to hire future workers to meet workforce needs.

The proposal was released today by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), John McCain (R-AZ), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Jeff Flake (R-AZ). President Obama is set to give a speech on his vision for comprehensive immigration reform this Tuesday.

Link: Senate Immigration Proposal