After six years, they would be able to apply for permanent residence and eventual citizenship, if they meet requirements that include paying a $1,500 fine, maintaining employment and paying any taxes owed. They also would have to meet English and civics requirements, and leave the country and re-enter legally.

Other key provisions include:

• Creating a guest-worker program for low-skilled workers, who would be able to change jobs and eventually get on a path to citizenship. The visa would be valid for three years and renewable once.

• Bolstering border security through increasing enforcement personnel, evaluating current procedures and developing multilateral partnerships to establish a North American security perimeter.

• Setting up an employment verification system that employers would eventually be required to use to confirm each potential employee's eligibility to work, while increasing penalties for employers who don't comply.

• Reducing backlogs in family and employment-based immigration and addressing employment needs in shortage occupations, such as nursing.

In the House, the Judiciary Committee plans hearings soon. Gutierrez said that the measure must pass in the next 90 days or risk losing momentum as lawmakers consider must-pass appropriations legislation in the fall.

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Contributing: Bloomberg News

E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com