A proposed bill taking center stage in the nation?s capital could pave the way to citizenship for undocumented workers in New Jersey and across the U.S.

The proposed immigration bill tightens border security while giving millions of illegal immigrants a change at legal status. For the first time, lawmakers say skills and education level will have more weight than family connections in deciding whether immigrants should get permanent legal status.

The proposal has some critical requirements for those looking to become U.S. citizens. Under the proposal, only those who arrived in the U.S. before January of this year could apply for the special visa. Also, those granted the visa would have to pay a fine of $5,000. The heads of the households would also have to return to their home country within eight years to apply for a green card.

Immigration reform has been a hot button issue in Morristown in the last few months. Latino groups have been blasting Mayor Donald Cresitello?s plans to deputize police officers as immigration agents. They said the mayor?s plan is a move to drive immigrants out of town.

Click here for Senator Bob Menendez?s reaction to the proposed immigration bill.

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