Millions of undocumented immigrants are anxiously following the evolution of the immigration reform bill, which could be passed this year. Many were surprised when Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez expressed doubt that all undocumented immigrants want to become permanent residents.

"My feeling is that undocumented immigrants are more interested in having the right to work, obtaining a Social Security number, and being able to travel to and from the country freely," he said. "Since they have no intention of becoming Americans, they don't need green cards or passports."

This statement – with its gentle hint that immigration reform is being undertaken in a hasty and shortsighted manner – is, of course, newsworthy.

Meanwhile, Democrats and Republicans continue to argue about the deadlines for implementing all aspects of an "universal legalization." It remains unclear which categories of undocumented immigrants will fall under the reform bill.

Some politicians agree that the main "selection criteria" should be a clean record (meaning that no criminal offenses have been committed on U.S. soil) and legal entry into the country (having a passport and entry visa). Others propose that length of stay should be the main factor, arguing that only people who have been living in the country without documents for many years should be eligible to receive a green card.

It is now becoming clear that immigration reform will not apply to all undocumented immigrants. However, there is no assurance that people who do not fall under the legislation will leave the country.

"Reform must apply to all undocumented immigrants," said Raul Gonzarro, a driver from Miami who has lived in the United States without documents for 11 years. "They should not hold a lottery where some win and others lose. Everyone should be given a chance, and those who show disdain for American ideals and laws should be severely punished."

Nicole Crispin, a human rights activist from Los Angeles, agrees.

"Legalization does not mean lucking out and getting a green card. It is a difficult journey to social recognition," she said. "Reform must apply to every person living in the country without documents."

Senators Edward Kennedy (D-MA) and John McCain (R-AZ) put forth their proposal for reform last year. The central idea behind the McCain-Kennedy bill is that undocumented immigrants will have to go through a six-year process to become permanent residents. Analysts note that the main drawback to the legislation is that undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States under two years must return to their native countries. Under this bill then, the problem of illegal immigration will remain acute even after reforms have been implemented. McCain recently announced that he will present an improved version of this bill to Congress within the next few days.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has once again given the nation to understand that there is no possibility of blanket amnesty for the 12 million undocumented immigrants in the country.

"Like President Bush, I understand that immigration reform must be carried out in several stages," he said. "We have to anticipate every little thing so that the legislation does not have negative consequences."

According to Secretary Chertoff, the deportation of undocumented immigrants as a result of large-scale arrests and raids, which, incidentally, is the plan that most Republicans endorse, will not ultimately yield any results.

"We once tried to deport 40,000 Chinese undocumented immigrants, but China refused to take its citizens back," he explained. "The United States was left with no choice. In some cases, the only option is legalization."

President Bush has clearly expressed his opinion: any immigration reform bill must have two main areas of focus: fortifying the border and offering millions of undocumented immigrants the chance to receive a green card.

It appears that immigration reform will lead to more stringent requirements for entry visas and stricter control of the Mexican border. It's possible that leniency toward undocumented immigrants will turn the United States into a country that is inaccessible to foreign workers.