It would take 10 years for undocumented workers to get a green card, and then another three years to gain citizenship.

CNN: With deal in hand, senators to roll out immigration plan

Realistically, after several years--and assuming they have a clear record--these workers should be able to apply for a green card.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

The government wants to introduce an American-style green-card scheme, but it seems implausible that it would allow in enough foreign workers to make up for the demographic shortfall, even if they all learned Japanese: by some estimates that would require about 600, 000 immigrants a year.

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Upon graduation, we can't afford to lose those high-skilled workers to a competitor nation simply because they can't get a green card.

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