WASHINGTON, Feb 17: The White House is drafting an immigration plan that would allow illegal immigrants to become legal permanent US residents within eight years, USA Today reported on Saturday.

The plan would also allocate additional security funds and require business owners to check the immigration status of any new hires within four years. The estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the United States could also apply for a “Lawful Prospective Immigrant” visa, the report said.

According to the draft, which USA Today said was being circulated among various government agencies, visa applicants would need to pass a criminal background check, file biometric information and pay fees.

Once approved, they would be allowed to reside in the United States legally, work, and leave the country for short visits without losing their status.

A new identification card would prove their legal residence in the country.

And, within eight years, the immigrants could apply for a green card to obtain legal permanent residence if they learn English and “the history and government of the United States.” They would also have to pay back taxes.

With greencard in hand, the immigrants would then be on a path to apply for US citizenship.

Republicans were quick to criticize the draft, and expressed anger at not being consulted.

“It’s a mistake for the White House to draft immigration legislation without seeking input from Republican members of Congress,” said Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, flawing the ‘half-baked and seriously flawed” proposal.

“President Obama’s leaked immigration proposal is disappointing to those of us working on a serious solution.”—AFP