US: Biometrics figure in President's immigration policy overhaul

A plan to fix immigration system (Record Online)

Obama's plan requires people living in the U.S. illegally to register, submit biometric data, pass criminal background and national security checks, and pay fees and taxes before becoming eligible for legal status. After eight years, they would be eligible for legal permanent resident status and five years later could apply for citizenship. They enter the green card application system behind everyone else already waiting for permits. Children brought to the country illegally by their parents would be eligible for expedited citizenship if they attend college or complete two years of military service. The president also supports equal treatment of same-sex couples when one partner is from outside the U.S. That provision isn't included in the Senate framework and may be a flash point with Republicans who oppose offering equal rights to same-sex couples.