In the context of proposed immigration reform, the Gang of Eight consists of the following four Democratic and four Republican senators.[3] Of the eight senators that originally composed the group, four remain in office as of 2025[update]. John McCain died in 2018, Jeff Flake retired in 2019, Bob Menendez resigned in 2024 because of his conviction in apolitical corruption case, and Marco Rubio resigned in 2025 to becomeSecretary of State.[4]
According to aNational Law Review article, the policies envisioned by the Gang of Eight include the following provisions:[6]
A path tocitizenship forillegal immigrants[7] already in the United States is contingent on certain border security and visa tracking improvements. The plan provides for permanent residence forillegal aliens only after legal aliens waiting for a current priority date receive their permanent residence status and a different citizenship path for agricultural workers through an agricultural worker program.
Business immigration system reforms, focusing on reducing current visa backlogs and fast tracking permanent residence for U.S. universitystudent visa graduates with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering or math also known as theSTEM fields.
An expanded and improved employment verification system for all employers to confirm employee work authorization.
Improved work visa options for low-skilled workers including an agricultural worker program.
