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According to a brief summary provided by the staff of the legislation's key congressional sponsors, several different problems with the current immigration situation will be addressed.

Border security will be enhanced by better coordination of border authorities and the development of multilateral partnerships to provide a "North American security perimiter."

A new temporary visa program will be developed, which will include the H-A5 visa for jobs that require few or no technical skills. Applicants must pay a $500 fee, prove that they have a job waiting in the United States and clear various checks. The H-A5 will be valid for three years and can be renewed once for a total of six years, at which time the worker must return home or be in the pipeline for a green card. The H-B5 visa is for undocumented immigrants already in the United States, who can apply on the date of introduction for a legal, temporary six-year stay. Their spouses and children will also be eligible.

The legislation recognizes and hopes to promote circular migration patterns, wherein the temporary workers are encouraged to return home after their stay. An important part of this includes "encouragement" of the United States government to work with Mexico to promote economic opportunity and better healthcare services within Mexico, in order to reduce pressure for workers to migrate to the United States.

Current law is extended to fund medical coverage for the new visa type holders at medical facilities that provide emergency care to undocumented immigrants, but the authors of the bill are very quick to point out that no new benefits are extended to immigrants through this program.

The bill has been passed on for review to the Judiciary, Homeland Security, International Relations, Energy and Commerce, and Education and the Workforce committees.