At present, there are two programs to grant permanent residency.
America had granted them permanent residency, and that's all they thought they needed.
Palestinians who have already been granted residency or become citizens would not be affected, according to civil rights lawyers.
A refugee accepted into the country is granted permanent residency and may apply for citizenship.
Despite having his initial application declined, he was granted permanent residency in November 2012.
But his aides have said the proposal will not include a provision for granting the temporary workers legal residency.
He granted permanent residency to many Chinese students in Australia.
Members of Congress may submit private bills granting residency to specific named individuals.
Some immigration groups have called for the government to grant legal residency to survivors who lost loved ones to terrorism.
Mr. Bush said the program should be accompanied by an increase in the number of people granted permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship.