Bronx and city immigrants rallied against a proposed immigration bill before Congress on Saturday.

The legislation would make it a felony offense to be in the U.S. illegally. It would also impose penalties on employers who hire illegal immigrants and pay for the construction of a fence around the U.S.-Mexico border. Supporters say the measure ensures undocumented people pay their way and wait in line to gain citizenship. Critics argue the bill unfairly targets hard-working immigrants who come to America for a better life. The bill has already passed in the U.S. House.

President Bush has urged Congress to write an immigration law that includes a guest worker program. The program would not give illegal immigrants citizenship, but Bush feels it would be a step in the right direction to allow them to work without fear of deportation.