The bill from Democratic Senator Charles Schumer and Republican Senator Lindsey Graham seeks to reinforce border controls and calls for the creation of a high-tech Social Security card to ensure that employers hire only legal workers.

The outline also includes proposals for a temporary worker program and penalties that would allow illegal immigrants to stay such as paying fines and back taxes and performing community service.

As key mid-term elections near in November, the immigration issue is likely to draw more attention. Many Republicans have opposed immigration reform without tougher enforcement of immigration laws and border enforcement. There are an estimated 11 million illegal immigrations in the United States.

Some political analysts argue that the issue is unlikely to gain any traction before then, especially if concerns over the near 10 percent unemployment rate and health care continue to dominate the political agenda.