Even though some are "fixated" on the word "amnesty," Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Fla, said Tuesday he believes the contentious Senate immigration bill will pass.
"I think it'll pass, I really do," Martinez said, adding that the bill probably won't see a final vote until next week.
The deal, in case you forgot, would require that illegal immigrants who arrived in the country before Jan. 1 make themselves known to the federal government and obtain a so-called "Z-visa." That document would allow the illegal immigrants to live and work legally, after they passed a series of background checks, paid a $5,000 fine and a processing fee.
Critics have said the bill gives "amnesty" to the estimated 12 million undocumented workers living in the country but Martinez disagrees. The word amnesty means forgiveness, he said.
"And there's no forgiveness when people have to pay fines."