Immigration reform: What YOU need to know

(a) Will be required to register with the government. They can live and work in the U.S. if they get probationary status by passing a background check and paying a fine and back taxes.   

(b) Once probationary status is achieved, they will be forced to the "back of the line." 

(c) Then, they must pass an additional background check, pay taxes, learn English and demonstrate U.S work history.

Illegal immigrants with serious criminal backgrounds:

(a) Are ineligible for legal status.

(b) Some will face immediate deportation.

There are two groups of illegal immigrants with different citizenship requirements :

(a) Those brought here as children, since they didn't knowingly violate immigration laws.

(b) Those who work in the U.S. agricultural industry, since they help maintain our food supply.

**No specific citizenship details are given in the bipartisan initiative

The initiative impacts lawful immigrants:

(a) Those on probationary immigration status won't get federal benefits.

(b) Those with a PHD or Masters from an American university will be awarded a green card.

The bipartisan initiative also addresses U.S. employers:

Businesses will be allowed to hire lower-skilled workers, but only when they prove Americans won't fill the jobs.

The rules change depending on the strength of our economy:

(a) Lower-skilled immigrants are allowed to come to the United States when our economy is creating jobs.

(b) Fewer are allowed to come to the United States when our economy is weak.

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.