This land is ...

The Senate endorsed a chance at citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants on May 17. It also voted to build 370 miles of triple-layered fencing along the Mexican. Will it work? Take the poll below.

Photo: Charlie Archambault for USN&WR

Updated: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 | 12:06 PM EST

A LINE IN THE SAND

A trip along America's southern border reveals how tough it will be to seal it against unwanted visitors.

Border Border Border Border Border

This winter, U.S. News & World Report photographer Jim Lo Scalzo drove the length of the U.S.-Mexican border from El Paso, Texas, to San Diego, Calif.

POLL

"I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE..." (CAN YOU PASS THE TEST?)

Test More than one million people become naturalized U.S. citizens each year. Take the Naturalization Self Test.

The Senate recently endorsed a chance at citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants. The vote was 66-33 against a proposal that would have removed provisions giving an eventual chance at citizenship to illegal immigrants who have been in the country more than two years.

Photo: Justin Sullivan–Getty Images

IT'S OUR FLAG, TOO

The 35.2 million immigrants (legal and illegal) living in the country in March 2005 is the highest number ever recorded – two and a half times the 13.5 million during the peak of the last great immigration wave in 1910.

One-third of immigrants lack health insurance. And nearly half of post-2000 arrivals (3.7 million) are estimated to be illegal aliens.

Photo: David Butow– Redux for USN&WR

HR 4437 in brief

What is it? Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005. The House approved the legislation, 239 to 182, last December.

Yeah, but what is it? According to its official title the bill wants: "To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to strengthen enforcement of the immigration laws, to enhance border security, and for other purposes."

What's the big deal? A controversial measure would make being an undocumented immigrant in the United States a felony. Also, anyone who "assists" or employs such people will also be considered criminals.

Is it a law? Not yet. The Senate cleared the way for final passage of its version of the legislation on May 24. The bill calls for tougher border security as well as an eventual chance at citizenship for millions of men and women in the country illegally.

FROM U.S. NEWS

Immigration nation

By Bay Fang

"Today we march, tomorrow we vote." By all accounts, the day was huge. Around the country, more than a million immigrants and supporters boycotted work, took to the streets and made their voices heard. But what happens next is unclear.

Michael Barone

Barone
The ugly duckling issue Politicians are divided every which way over immigration, and most wish the issue would just go away. (5/15/06).

Gloria Borger

Borger
Profiles in Courage– Not!Congress may be tempted to punt on immigration, but this time it may be dangerous to do nothing. (4/24/06)