The immigration bill, “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013” was discussed in the Senate on April 16 with upcoming hearings scheduled for April 19 and April 22.

The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of four Democrats and four Republicans.  President Obama, along with John McCain and several other Senators have stated separately that they look forward to working together on the passing of this bill. Voting is expected to take place in late May or early June.

If passed, the bill will increase funding for Homeland Security programs, cut back on the usage of visas for family members and increase the usage of visas for in demand employment and job skills.

The bill would also allow undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to become citizens after five years and adults to become citizens after 13 years through lengthy programs and requirements.

“We owe it to the millions of American families who are suffering under this current system to reform it, which is why the Judiciary Committee has already dedicated considerable time to comprehensive immigration reform this year,” said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), who is part of the Senate’s subcommittee on immigration, in a statement on his website.