Activists push path to US citizenship,nothing less

WASHINGTON: Immigration activists say they will not settle for anything short of a path to US citizenship for illegal immigrants in a bill emerging in Congress.

Some House Republicans have suggested a compromise that would let the country's 11 million illegal immigrants gain legal status and work in the US, but not become citizens.

On a conference call Friday, activists said that is unacceptable because it would create second-class residents.

Angelica Salas is with the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. She says people should be able to choose citizenship if they want and not be stuck in legal limbo.

House Republicans uncomfortable with letting illegal immigrants become citizens, something some criticize as amnesty, suggest legalization instead as a middle ground.