1.   Rep. David Dreier, R-Calif., who supports granting permanent status, said the release could clear up lingering uncertainties.

2.   Any decision on granting legal status of Mexicans in the United States illegally would have political ramifications for Bush.

3.   Granting MFN status means Pakistan would not levy duties on imports from any other country lower than what it does with imports from India.

4.   Groups that want to limit immigration and some legislators have opposed granting legal status, saying it would wrongly reward those who are in the country illegally.

5.   In talks aimed at boosting trade, Pakistan argued that granting Indian most-favored-nation status would harm its nascent industries.

6.   They say that granting legal status would allow longtime residents to come out of the shadows, address labor shortages and help protect workers.