WASHINGTON - The Bush administration sent two cabinet secretaries to Capitol Hill on Wednesday to push legislation that would create a large temporary worker system and give millions of illegal immigrants a chance at legal residency.

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Homeland Secretary Michael Chertoff and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez received a warm reception, although some lawmakers questioned whether a guest worker program is needed.

Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., who is crafting a bill with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that includes many of the principles outlined by the White House, said he is optimistic about the measure's chances.

"Now is the time," Kennedy said. "We can pass a tough, but fair immigration plan that protects our borders, upholds our values, strengthens our economy, respects our laws and enhances our prosperity."

Last year, a similar effort was derailed by House Republican leaders who said it amounted to amnesty and would reward people who broke the law.
Gutierrez said that the Bush immigration plan is not an amnesty because it does not include "an unconditional pardon." The plan requires people "to get right and stay right with the law" by paying penalties, paying back taxes, learning English, and passing criminal background checks, he said.

In response to repeated suggestions that the Bush plan is not an amnesty, Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, said: "If it walks like a duck and it quacks like a duck, it's a duck."

Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., said there is no need for a guest worker program because Americans would perform low-skilled jobs if employers would increase pay.

"If we really believe in markets, why would we undermine the market forces that would raise the wages of the lowest income earners of this country by diluting the workforce with people coming in under a jobs program," he said.

In the only dissenting opinion among Democrats at the hearing, Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California said that the Senate measure last year "reached too far" and that the Congress should consider alternative ideas, including a "point" system that would give illegal immigrants points for various things such as length of time in the United States, educational level, community service or absence of a felony. Those who reached a certain level of points would be allowed to apply for legal residency.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, a proponent of the president's plan, appeared optimistic.

"We're getting to a good place. A lot of the talk that's gone into coming up with a workable bill has been very constructive," he said.

The new Senate measure could be introduced as soon as next week.