When 500,000 people marched the streets downtown a little over a year ago in support of illegal immigrants, many were angry over a proposal to build hundreds of miles (kilometers) of new fence along the U.S.-Mexico border and criminalize anyone who lent a hand to undocumented immigrants. Immigrant advocates say similar discontent could push several thousand to come out for a rally Saturday. This time their anger is directed at someone who immigrant communities had long considered an ally: President George W. Bush, according to AP The White House's draft plan, leaked last week, calls for a new «Z» visa that would allow undocumented workers to apply for three-year work permits.They would be renewable indefinitely, but would cost $3,500 (¤2,617) each time. To get a so-called green card, making them legal permanent residents, illegal immigrants would have to return to their home country, apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate to re-enter legally and pay a $10,000 (¤7,4785) fine. «People are really upset,» said Juan Jose Gutierrez, president of Los Angeles-based Latino Movement USA, one of several organizers of Saturday's rally. «For years, the president spoke in no uncertain terms about supporting immigration reform ... then this kind of plan comes out and people are so frustrated.» The proposal has been sharply criticized by Hispanic advocacy groups, Democrats, the Roman Catholic Church and unions that have many immigrants in their ranks. They argue the cost of work permits and the green card application _which could total more than $20,000 (¤14,955) _ are prohibitive for low-wage earners. The plan is far more conservative than the one passed by the Senate last year with bipartisan backing and support from Bush. That plan would have allowed many of the country's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants to stay in the United States, work and apply to become legal residents after learning English, pay small fines and back taxes and clear a background check. The Senate plan was opposed by many conservatives. It never gained traction in the then Republican-controlled House, which at the end of 2005 passed the punitive immigration reform bill that angered immigrant communities and led to massive protests. -- SPA
