'Illegal' Worker Plan Debated.

U.S. President George W. Bush's proposal to revamp federal immigration policy has hit a nerve in construction. There is disagreement over the extent of illegal worker hires and the need for them but contractor and union executives say reform is long overdue to end costly uncertainties for employers and workers. The proposal so far amounts to little more than what Bush announced in his January 7, 2004 speech. Undocumented workers now in the U.S. will have to pay a fee to sign up for the temporary worker permit. The planned changes in policy would still require legislation.