US President George W. Bush unveiled a plan Wednesday that would give legal status to foreign workers who obtain jobs in the United States, the first major policy initiative as he geared up for the upcoming election in November. 

Saying that the US immigration policy should reflect "common sense and fairness," Bush called on Congress to approve his reform proposal that would allow immigrants to fill jobs that Americans are not filling.

"This program will offer legal status, as temporary workers, to the millions of undocumented workers now employed in the United States, and to those in foreign countries who seek to participate in the program and have been offered employment here," Bush said in a speech at the White House.

But he ruled out granting a blanket amnesty for illegal immigrants living and working in the United States. "I oppose amnesty, placing undocumented workers on the automatic path to citizenship," he said.

"Granting amnesty encourages violation of our laws and perpetuates illegal immigration. America is a welcoming country, but citizenship must not be the automatic reward for violating the laws of America." 

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2004)