American senators yesterday agreed on “a way forward” in protracted immigration talks, paving the way for new legislation that will permit thousands more foreigners to work in the USA.

The accord came shortly after president George Bush had set aside an additional $4.4 billion to bolster border security in the States. Democrat leader Harry Reid and Republican leader Mitch McConnell both confirmed that the Senate debate would resume next week.

At the top of the agenda once talks recommence will be the intricacies of a guest worker programme that could allow many more overseas applicants secure work in the USA, if only on a temporary basis.

The new legislation could also offer citizenship to the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants that already live and work in the USA.

“We’ve got to summon the political courage to move forward on comprehensive reform,” announced the president in an address yesterday. “Doing nothing is not a solution.”

Those looking to work in the USA should remember to invest in visitors insurance before jetting off to the land of the opportunity. A good policy protects overseas workers financially and practically against a multitude of potential disasters.

Contributed by J.Bevan