The Orlando Sentinel reported yesterday that President Obama applauded Senators Schumer and Graham for releasing their plan yesterday to put in motion an immigration reform bill.  The next step is to turn that plan into a bill and, for Congress to act on it as quickly as possible.

Senators Schumer and Graham’s plan calls for undocumented immigrants to come forward, admit they broke the law, pay a hefty fine plus back taxes,  perform community service, pass background checks and, learn English if they want to be legalized in the United States.  

Highlights of the plan include the following:

1. Granting permanent residence (green cards) to foreign nationals who graduate with a Ph.D. or Master’s degree from U.S. universities;
2. Implementing a zero tolerance for illegal immigrants who commit crimes and increasing overall enforcement of immigration laws;
3. Creating a flexible worker program that allows more low-skilled workers when jobs are available and fewer in a recession; and
4. Requiring all U.S. workers, both citizens and green card holders  to obtain Social Security cards with a biometric identifier.

That seems to be a fair plan that balances both enforcement and benefit granting.  Now the legislative work begins and immigrant rights advocates,  their supporters, and all interested people hope that this plan be set in motion and that our nations fixes its broken immigration system once and for all.