Immigration reform bill: Top 8 changes GOP senators want

More than 300 amendments were submitted for possible inclusion in a sweeping immigration reform package – at least 100 of them from two Republicans, Sens. Charles Grassley of Iowa and Jeff Sessions of Alabama. Here are eight notable changes GOP lawmakers want to see in bill, as the Senate Judiciary Committee takes up amendments between now and Memorial Day. 

6. Tie guest workers to the unemployment rate

Mike Groll/AP/File
People wait in line for an employment fair in Albany, N.Y., in April. One senator wants to tie guest worker numbers to the US unemployment rate.

The US would not issue any guest-worker permits if the national unemployment rate is above 5 percent, if Sen. Jeff Sessions (R) of Alabama has his way.

The current rate is above 7 percent. That means that the temporary workers whom US businesses – from agriculture to technology – say are essential would not be forthcoming any time soon. 

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